Carrasco's agent speaks clearly about the barter with Memphis Depay

Atlético de Madrid already knows that Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco wants to play for FC Barcelona. Pini Zahavi, the Belgian's agent, spoke to the newspaper 'Nieuwsblad' about the possibility of dressing his client as culé, which involves a barter between culés and 'colchoneros' that includes Memphis Depay. The clubs maintain an excellent relationship, but the Dutchman is the main obstacle to closing the operation.

"The plan is to trade Yannick for Memphis. There is still nothing concrete and I don't know if it can work, but the negotiations are ongoing. Yannick likes him and he is a good player," explained the Israeli agent. Carrasco has played 23 games this season with Aleti (4 goals and 2 assists) and continues to be a key player for Diego Simeone, but, true to form, 'Cholo' will not try to keep him if he insists on leaving.

As a replacement, Memphis would be a good option for the 'rojiblancos', beyond their limited role in 2022/23 with Xavi Hernández's men. However, the 'colchoneros' would only go for Moordretch's man if the barter for Yannick came to fruition, since Barça asks too much for the striker (around 7 million euros for his final transfer). In addition, Depay insists on staying in Catalonia to go free in the summer.

In this sense, the Dutchman remains clinging to his initial plan. If he leaves with a letter of freedom, he will be able to negotiate a better contract in the summer, including a transfer bonus. Instead, a winter transfer would deprive him of this benefit, forcing him to sign for at least a year and a half with another club. This position already forced Barça to say goodbye to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang last summer.

Carrasco wants to follow in Vermaelen's

footsteps The last Belgian to wear the Blaugrana shirt was Thomas Vermaelen, a former defender who is now part of the Belgian team's coaching staff. The man from Antwerp came to Catalonia from Arsenal in the summer of 2014 in exchange for 10 million euros and, due to physical problems, barely played 53 games in four seasons, even playing one year on loan at Roma. Carrasco will try to reverse the misfortune that accompanied his compatriot if his signing is finalized.