Memphis Depay has once again become a hot topic in the transfer market, with many expecting him to depart Barcelona after the turn of the year.
The former Man United forward had a difficult start to the season at Barça. But after returning from injury, the attacker has gone on to play a crucial role for the Netherlands during the World Cup and is now under the radar of many clubs across Europe.
According to Diario SPORT, Newcastle United are one of the clubs in contention to sign Depay. The Premier League giants have been monitoring the player’s situation at Barcelona for quite some time now and could make a move in the upcoming January transfer window.
Newcastle wanted to sign Depay even in the summer transfer window. But the move did not materialise as the interest from the three parties did not converge.
But things have changed since. Barcelona are increasingly determined to offload Memphis in January while the player itself is aware of the fact that he may not have any future in Xavi’s setup, especially amid competition from players such as Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha and Ferran Torres, among others.
Barcelona realise this could be their last opportunity to earn some revenue from the sale of Depay, whose contract at Camp Nou expires at the end of the season. The Catalans are looking for a figure of somewhere around €15-20 million for the forward.
Newcastle, for their part, are expected to begin negotiations with Depay’s agents in an attempt to lure the Dutchman to St. James’ Park.
However, the situation could be complicated by the fact that Depay has not shown any desire to leave Barcelona in January.
He is aware that he may receive a more lucrative contract if he leaves the club in the summer, meaning the only way the attacker could consider a move away from Camp Nou is if Barcelona hand him a letter of freedom.