Memphis Depay revealed "certain rules" stopped him from swapping Lyon for Barcelona in the previous transfer window.
Barca were heavily linked with a move for Depay following the arrival of new head coach Ronald Koeman, who allowed striker Luis Suarez to leave for Atletico Madrid.
The Netherlands international had agreed terms with the Catalan giants but a deal between the clubs could not be reached before the transfer deadline on Monday.
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Depay's contract with Lyon is due to expire in June and he hopes by continuing to impress with the Ligue 1 side he can still secure a move to Barca.