Why can FC Barcelona keep on dreaming with Memphis Depay?

The last transfer window of the Culé club brought more problems than solutions and was marked by Lionel Messi's intent to leave. After the 2-8 defeat against Bayern Munich, and Quique Setién's resignation, the Dutchman and former player Ronald Koeman arrived to take command of the dressing room. He had a desire since day one: Memphis Depay.

Depay was the first player Koeman asked for as reinforcement. The fellow Dutchman reached Champions League semifinals with Olympique Lyon. Barcelona executives tried to please him and open negotiations with the French side to hire the forward but they couldn't find agreement. Lyon's asking price, 20 million euros, was out of the scope for Barcelona.

But if the price tag was so low, why did Barcelona desisted from keeping up the negotiations? The real reason is that the Dutch player has less than a year left on his contract, which expires on June 2021. In January of next year he will be able to sign with any club. Also, Lyon may sell him for even less money before January to avoid losing him for free. In any case, Depay has already made it clear that he will resign his contract with Lyon after the expiration day.

Right now, Barcelona seems to be missing a real center-forward after Suárez departure. On the other hand, Koeman's system consist on three forwards without tight positions. This means that Depay would be the perfect fit for the coach's style, although both Griezmann and Messi can play that role, as they are doing now.