Memphis ‘touched’ by Lyon interest after completing £21m move

Mark Scott
Memphis Depay: Moving to Lyon

Memphis Depay: Moves to Lyon for around £17m

Memphis Depay is ready to hit the ground running at Lyon as he seeks to make up for lost time at Manchester United.

The Holland international will go straight into the squad for Sunday’s clash with Marseille after completing a move from Old Trafford which could eventually be worth up to 25 million euros (£21.7m).

Coach Bruno Genesio said at his pre-match press conference on Friday that “if (Depay) is eligible, he will be in the squad” – and clearance came later in the day.

The 22-year-old Depay struggled for playing time at United but is optimistic about his time in France.

“I am very happy to have signed with Lyon,” he said.

“I want to thank the president, the coach and Florian Maurice (the head of the club’s recruitment team) because it was a big job for them, it took a long time.

“I spoke with my agent, he gave me the desire to come to Lyon. I was touched to see that everyone at OL worked to get me here.

“Lyon are a big club on a European level, that matters as well. They are always in the Champions League, I know that because they crossed paths with PSV Eindhoven and I follow all the leagues.

“Physically, I am in good shape. I have been training by myself but it is possible I could be in the squad against OM.”

Club president Jean-Michel Aulas announced full details of the fee paid for Depay and also that the Dutchman has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract.

Aulas said: “It is the start of a new era. It is an important signing.

“The transfer is for a fixed fee of 16million euros payable up front plus 6m euros in bonuses, for a league title and qualifications for the Champions League or Europa League. There is also another payment of 3million euros if he extends his contract with us at a given moment.”