Dutch connection

As with many coaches, when they arrive at a new club some familiar faces soon follow. This seems no different in regards to new Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman. The former Dutch national coach has long been interested in bringing countryman Memphis Depay to the Nou Camp.

Barcelona are now reportedly ‘prioritising’ Depay. With Luis Suarez moving to Atletico Madrid, Barca are a forward down and need to move quickly to replace, as to capitalise on a false start by rivals Real Madrid in La Liga.

Ronald Koeman: “Depay or Lautaro Martinez? I’m not ruling anything out…”. The real target for Barça is Memphis Depay. First bid ready to be submitted by weeks [€30m/add ons inc] – Koeman is trying to convince the board. Lautaro is going to stay at Inter. 🔵🔴 #FCB #transfers

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 26, 2020

Barca were beaten to the title by Los Blancos last season which led to former coach Quique Setien’s sacking. Koeman, a former Barcelona player, is looking to once again establish the Catalan club as the rightful leaders of Spanish football.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – OCTOBER 16: Arnaut Groeneveld of the Netherlands celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Memphis Depay who provided the assist during the International Friendly match between Belgium and Netherlands at King Baudouin Stadium on October 16, 2018 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Depay featured heavily as the Netherlands’ central striker whilst Koeman was in charge of the Dutch national team.

Suarez welcomed

Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Luis Suarez from Barcelona.

🔴⚪ #SuárezRojiblanco

A warm welcome for @LuisSuarez9 👏😂

🏧 #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/hwYGzwwGgN

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) September 25, 2020

The Uruguayan international was embroiled in controversy as a proposed move to Italian champions Juventus broke down. The forward was seen to have cheated on a possible Italian citizenship test.

Whilst Suarez was not being investigated himself, the break down in the move allowed the Rojiblancos to swoop in a negotiate a move.

The move itself harks back to David Villa’s similar transfer to Atletico in 2013. The Spaniard had spent 3 years at the Camp Nou before making the switch to the capital. Villa played 36 league games and scored 13 goals as he helped Atleti to a surprise La Liga title.

David Villa left Barcelona for Atletico Madrid in 2013.

That next year, he:

– Helped Atletico win their first league title since 1996
– Scored against Barca in the 2013 Supercopa de España
– Knocked Barca out of the Champions League pic.twitter.com/9lgrTV2GTR

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 23, 2020

With Barcelona looking very shaky and Los Blancos stumbling in their first league game, could the door open for Suarez and Atelti to repeat Villa’s achievement?

See also: Arsenal’s William Saliba a mix of van Dijk & Varane, according to France youth coach

Man United not prioritising centre-back signing in current transfer window