'He's no Messi or Ronaldo' - Van Gaal objects Barca's interest in Depay

Memphis Depay is a talented player but he might have a hard time adapting to life at Barcelona, suggests Louis Van Gaal.

Memphis Depay’s future has been a subject of intense speculations these days amid links of a potential switch from Olympique Lyon to FC Barcelona.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Wednesday reported that Depay has already reached as agreement over personal terms with Barca.

Romano also claimed in the same report that the Catalan giants have been in contact with the French side for well over a week and are trying to negotiate a transfer fee.

The 26-year old has put up excellent numbers ever since arriving at Parc Olympique Lyonnais in 2017, scoring 57 goals and registering 43 assists across 139 games in total so far.

The Dutch forward’s form has helped him rebuild his status at the highest level after he endured a disappointing spell at Manchester United, where he was able to find the back of the net only seven times in 53 outings in his two seasons at the club.

It was Louis van Gaal who signed his compatriot for the Red Devils, and he is now unsure whether Depay would be able to step up to Barca’s levels.

Van Gaal told TuttoMercatoWeb: “There’s always a question mark. Depay is an interesting player, especially when he’s free to play, but we have to consider adapting to a new culture and a new team, and the first year is always the hardest. Look at [Matthijs] De Ligt or Frenkie de Jong.

“Depay has talent, but he’s not Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.”