Mateu Alemany seems to be closing the door for Memphis Depay at Barcelona. Barça’s director of football affairs late in conversation with Movistar Plus+ know that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ‘next season’s number 9’. It is not clear whether Alemany is referring to the striker position or the number 9, which is still worn by Depay. However, the chances of a spot in the rush hour seem to have been lost for the Dutchman.
Shortly before the kick-off of the quarter-final match with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League, Alemany comes with some updates about the Catalan selection. When the driver is asked about the developments surrounding the signing of Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, he answers firmly. “We have only respect for players who have a contract with a club. We are now entering the field of journalistic speculation.”
“I understand that the pages need to be filled, but we have no agreement with anyone,” Alemany continues. “If we are interested in a player we will talk to his club. Aubameyang will be the number 9 in Barcelona next season, although we still have to fill the roster. We analyze the market. We must be alert to what is happening, especially given our financial situation. But now our focus is first on LaLiga and on winning the Europa League.”
Where Depay was still a fixed value at Barcelona before the winter break, he has to settle for a reserve role in the second half of the season. Partly due to injuries, he missed a large number of matches, but now the Dutchman seems to have to tolerate various names in Xavi’s hierarchy. In the striker, Aubameyang, who currently plays with shirt number 25, can count on a base place almost every week. In the left wing position, the Catalan coach prefers Ferran Torres.
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