OFFICIAL: Memphis Depay has signed for Barcelona on a free transfer

OFFICIAL: Barcelona have completed the signing of Memphis Depay on a free transfer

This is a case of third time lucky for Barcelona, as they tried to lure the 27-year-old to the Camp Nou last summer and again in January, but they have now got their man.

Memphis joins on a free and has put pen to paper on a contract until 2023, with the Dutch forward fulfilling his dream of playing for the Blaugrana.

Barcelona came into this summer transfer window looking to improve in attack, and the arrival of Memphis does just that. In 37 appearances in all competitions for Lyon in the 2020/21 campaign, he scored 21 goals and provided 13 assists.

Barcelona didn't want to meet Lyon's asking price

Lyon demanded 20 million euros to sell Memphis last summer and then 10 million euros in January, but Barcelona's precarious financial situation meant that they simply did not have the funds available to bring forward the transfer.

Memphis' desire to sign for Barcelona was a key factor in making the deal happen, as the Catalan club also faced competition for his signature from Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. Now, Barcelona fans can enjoy their new forward in action for the Netherlands at this summer's European Championship.