Barcelona are preparing to offload Memphis Depay before the transfer window closes as they are in a hurry to decrease their salary mass and register Jules Kounde.
The Dutchman fell down the pecking order this summer following the summer arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha. Manager Xavi Hernandez informed the forward that he would no longer be a prominent part of his plans, leading to speculations over his exit.
While Depay initially wanted to continue, the 28-year-old has since accepted his fate and has reached an agreement with Barcelona to leave the club as a free agent, with the Catalans willing to terminate his contract which has one year left.
A move to Juventus seemed on the cards for Depay, but things have stalled over the last few days as the Netherlands international reportedly increased his wage demands. It has led to the Bianconeri eyeing other options such as Arkadiusz Milik of Marseille.
While a move to Juventus might no longer materialise, Depay looks certain to leave Barcelona.
In fact, this past Saturday, his social media team were recording a farewell video for the Dutchman outside the club’s Ciutat Esportiva complex, reports Dario Montero on El Chiringuito TV.
As part of the recorded message, one of the fans sent a touching message to the versatile forward which said: “We love you Memphis. You gave us goals, you saved us. Thank you for everything.”
Depay did have a fairly solid debut campaign in Barcelona. Arriving on a free transfer, the Dutchman accepted a low salary compared to what he would have received elsewhere, well aware that the club were in a difficult financial position.
The Netherlands ace went on to score 13 goals in all competitions, helping the Blaugrana finish second in La Liga.
While a move to Juventus might be in jeopardy, Depay’s former employers, Manchester United have recently entered the picture for his signing and would be open to paying €10 million to sign him from Barcelona. It will be interesting to see if a return to Old Trafford materialises for the Dutchman.
