The Dutchman almost wanted to leave in the summer, eventually staying, but then struggled with limited game time, picked up injuries and made just two appearances in La Liga this season. Memphis was back in time for the World Cup, scoring against the US, but will now have to turn his mind to his future at Barcelona after Oranje was knocked out of the tournament by Argentina.
Barcelona are not expected to be too active in the January transfer window but are said to be able to look to parting ways with Memphis to free up a gap in the wage bill. A few clubs were mentioned. Juventus are said to be keen on him, but reports suggest the two sides cannot agree on terms. The Blaugrana are eager to get some financial benefit by allowing the Dutchman to leave, despite having previously brought him in as a free agent.
Depay is a substitute at Barca.
There is an opinion that Barcelona is still expecting about 15 million euros from the teams pursuing the former Lyon star. That would be unlikely, as the Barcelona attacker has just six months left on his contract when January comes in. Whether the Dutchman leaves next month or is a free transfer in the summer remains a question.
As for the January transfer market, he received considerable interest from Premier League clubs and according to reports, AS Roma are preparing to negotiate. But the Italian giants may be a less attractive destination than some of the English clubs vying for Depay’s signature. Arsenal are one of the closest teams to interest him after losing Gabriel Jesus to long-term injury. Manchester United have been repeatedly rumored to want to bring the player back to Old Trafford, and similar rumors are appearing densely again.
At Barca, it is also difficult for Memphis to play much even when fit, because Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele, Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati are all being prioritized over him. However, Jordi Cruyff hinted this week that Barcelona will not attempt to sell Memphis, telling Mundo Deportivo he will be crucial as Robert Lewandowski is banned for the next three games and hinting his departure will not enough to bring in a new player.
Depay played impressively for the Netherlands in the World Cup.
Shortly after Cruyff spoke, rumors emerged that Roma were no longer interested in Memphis, while Man Utd were linked with Cody Gakpo and Goncalo Ramos instead.
Memphis has proven himself to be a useful player for Barcelona, finishing last season as the team’s top scorer, but his time at the club appears to be coming to an end. However, January may not be the time for them to break up.
Thanh Vu – according to xevathethao.vn | 09:00 12/12/2022
