Depay and Barça, a divorce already consummated
It is no longer a secret for anyone. Barely a year after arriving in Catalonia, Memphis Depay is already an undesirable. Last season, the Netherlands international played 2494 minutes across 38 different games. He also scored 13 times, which is not exceptional for a player of his caliber. However, it is difficult to incriminate the former OL striker who nevertheless demonstrated real combativeness throughout a fairly complicated 2021-2022 season for the Blaugranas. And the previous winter transfer window did not really help matters.
Indeed, Depay found himself in competition for his position by a certain Aubameyang. The former Arsenal captain was favored by Xavi during the second half of the year. So the Batavian quite logically ended up on the bench. And it is not the arrival of Robert Lewandowski this summer that will fix his case either. In short, if he had initially expressed his wish to stay, this dear Memphis had to face the facts… A departure now seems inevitable.
Free like air ?
Thus, the rumors explained that FC Barcelona was considering a transfer of its number 9 against barely 20 million euros. A low amount, but logical since Memphis Depay’s contract only runs until June 2023. Juventus were visibly interested and Barça was even studying the possibility of a loan with a compulsory purchase option to secure the transaction. At least that was the case before the twist, relayed by a Fabrizio Romano always well informed.
According to the Italian journalist, Depay’s lawyers are negotiating with Catalan leaders to allow their player to go free during the transfer window. The indemnity of 20 million euros would therefore no longer be relevant. Another important point, the attacker will only agree to leave if he finds a viable option. Moreover, he will only listen to offers from the biggest European clubs. For the moment, no serious proposal has been put on the table. But since Juve are desperate for a centre-forward to fill in for Vlahović, the two sides could strike a deal quite easily. Case to follow.
