Dutch striker Depay to leave Lyon as free agent

Paris (AFP) – Memphis Depay will leave Lyon at the end of the season when his contract expires, the Dutch international striker told French daily L’Equipe in an interview published on Friday. 

The 27-year-old, who joined Lyon from Manchester United in January 2017, will make his final appearance for the club against Nice on Sunday in a game that could secure them Champions League football next season. 

Lyon are currently fourth, one point behind Monaco who occupy the final Champions League spot. 

“It feels weird to think that this is my last game here,” said Depay, who has a lion tattoo on his back. 

“It makes me sad to go to an empty stadium, without the supporters.”

Last September, Depay was reported to be close to joining compatriots Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Koeman at Barcelona in a transfer worth 25 million euros ($29.6 million) but the move never came off.

With Koeman looking to rebuild at Barca, the move may return to the table, although Depay, who has scored 20 goals and set up 10 others, is open to offers. 

“I want to go to one of the top two or three clubs in the five big leagues,” said Depay, who has no agent and wants to negotiate his own contracts. 

“I want to control things, to know what I’m signing. I know what I’m worth,” he said.