Tottenham target Memphis Depay set to leave Barcelona this summer
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (h/t Daily Mail), Barcelona forward Memphis Depay is open to leaving the club this summer.
The 28-year-old joined the Catalunya side last summer on a free transfer and history could repeat itself this year. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano via Twitter has confirmed that the Dutchman’s lawyers are negotiating with the club to allow the player to leave for free.
Such news has put quite a few clubs on alert. Apart from Tottenham Hotspur, the Dutchman has also attracted interest from Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United.
Excl: Barcelona and Memphis Depay lawyers are in negotiations to reach an agreement on free agency. No way for €20m fee. Depay will accept to leave Barça only in case he’ll find the right option for his future. 🚨 #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2022
Memphis Depay will only consider top clubs. pic.twitter.com/COFSiHdXBL
The Dutchman was signed to replace Lionel Messi who departed the club for Paris Saint-Germain. He got off to a very good start at the Camp Nou but injury in December hampered his form. Also the arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did not help his cause.
Depay finished last season with 12 goals in 27 league appearances. Spurs have been interested in him, but it is tough to see where he will fit in. The club has been ruthless in the market this summer and with the arrivals of Ivan Perisic and Richarlison, Antonio Conte is overfilled with attackers.
Adding Depay to the squad would make very little sense. His form has taken a hit and he has fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona. Conte already has some of the best attackers in the world in his team.
Not to forget his disastrous spell with Manchester United from 2015-2017. The player failed to leave his mark in the Premier League and choosing to start him over already proven options is risky.
His wage demands will also add to the already fat wage bill at N17. Overall, it would not be very practical to sign the player this summer. A clinical striker, he would make a fine addition to any team but not for Spurs next season.
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Conte could be tempted to sign the Dutchman but it remains to be seen if he will. It will be interesting to see how and where Conte deploys the 28-year-old should he bring him to the club for next season.
