From now on, Memphis Depay will wear number 10 at Olympique Lyon, as the French top club announces on Twitter. According to various media, the 26-year-old striker is very close to making the transition to Barcelona, but Lyon doesn’t seem to care. Depay, who has taken over the number from Bertrand Traoré, played with number 11. Depay will be kicking off against Nîmes tonight at 21.00 hours.

By changing the back number of Depay, Lyon seems to want to make the statement that the striker of Orange will stay in France for the time being. In addition, the club seems to confirm that Traoré will leave. The former Ajacied is on his way to Aston Villa, which according to L’Équipe agreed with Lyon on a transfer fee of eighteen million euros. Traoré will sign with the English PhD student for four seasons.

?? @Memphis is our new no.10! ???? pic.twitter.com/HlnO973RNM

– OL English ???? (@OL_English) September 18, 2020

Although The Telegraph convinced that Depay is going to Barcelona, is denied by Lyon in all tones. Wednesday, technical director Juninho said that there hasn’t even been any contact with Barça. “We haven’t heard or received anything from Barcelona,” Juninho said. “They haven’t even called to ask about Memphis’ asking price. I understand that if he stays with us, he will be happy to help us run a good season. The players who are bid on are already gone.”

Friday night, Lyon is playing against Nîmes at home. In spite of the persistent transfer rumours, Depay is once again part of the match selection of coach Rudi Garcia and is therefore in the base. On Tuesday the striker fell 36 minutes ahead of time against Montpellier (2-1 defeat). Despite a good penalty, Depay was unable to save his team from losing.

Setup Olympique Lyon: Lopes; Dubois, Marcelo, Denayer, Bard; Cherki, Bruno Guimarães, Caqueret, Cornet; Dembélé, Depay.