Barcelona can move to Eintracht Frankfurt sensation Andre Silva this summer, if a proposed deal for Memphis Depay does not go off.
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With its economy dramatically depleted by the coronavirus pandemic, Ronald Koeman’s team wants to make cheap deals this summer. The new president Joan Laporta is perceived as the value of the free transfer market and business before Eric Garcia, Georginio Wijnaldum and Depay is on its way.
That is the case, a move for Silva is not entirely correct. The 25-year-old has been in tears this season, scoring 22 goals in 26 games for Frankfurt, who signed him for just € 3 million in September (seriously, how do they continue to do that?).
Andre Silva was directly involved in three of Eintracht Frankfurt’s four goals in the first half against Union Berlin:
⚽️ 2 goals? ️ 1 assist
Directly involved in 24 goals in 24 BL matches this season. ? pic.twitter.com/qmxJIiDkUr
– Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 20, 2021
The printed edition of Bild (via A BOLA) says that Barca are closely monitoring the former Milan and Porto striker, even though they admit that his price tag is a pretty serious roadblock. Frankfurt is said to be looking for 40 million euros (almost 35 million pounds) for its services.
Although not stratospheric, and probably within Barca’s price range if they can charge a player or two, they still see Depay as their man. Koeman’s interest in his countryman has been one of Spanish football’s worst kept secrets, and the player himself has done everything he can to make a move happen.
The Catalan club wanted him in the summer and was considered close to landing him in January, but Lyon stood firm and got back for it with an impressive form.
With his contract expiring in the summer, however, it seems as if the versatile forward role will soon be granted his wish.
Latest training before tomorrow’s match against Turkey. ⚽️? pic.twitter.com/PiAkFcPRRZ
– Memphis Depay (@Memphis) March 23, 2021
But it is not completely ordinary sailing. Reports of interest in Silva stem from some doubts that have emerged about how far the negotiations with Depay are. The Catalan outlet SPORT recently poured cold water over claims that business for the Lyon man and international teammate Georginio Wijnaldum is complete.
With a particular focus on the latter, they say that all incoming offers, including free transfers, will rely on expenses first. Miralem Pjanic is one of those who are in the cutting block when they want to free up space for wage costs, and this has delayed the negotiations with their two primary goals.
However, the general feeling seems to be that both Wijnaldum and Depay eventually want to join Barca and are willing to give them time to adapt the books and make room for them in the squad.
