Memphis Depay’s future at Barcelona remains uncertain with the Netherlands international out of contract at the end of the season and struggling for game time under Xavi.
The Netherlands international has not featured in La Liga since September 2022 and has only made two appearances in Spain’s top flight this season due to injury and competition for places.
Barcelona are willing to sell the Dutchman before the transfer window closes at the end of the month. The Catalans have told interested clubs they must pay 7 million euros for the forward, according to Marca.
It’s a low price because Memphis will be a free agent when his contract expires in June. He also arrived for Barcelona on a free after his contract with Lyon expired.
The 28-year-old has attracted interest from La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid and Serie A side Inter and is also thought to have admirers in the Premier League. Newcastle have reportedly already opened talks with the attacker.
However, a move to Inter is looking unlikely at present. Memphis’s lawyer has insisted the forward is not in talks with the Nerazzurri, while CEO Beppe Marotta has also said there are no negotiations ongoing with Barca presently.
It’s still not clear where Memphis might play his football for the rest of the season, but Xavi has already insisted at a press conference that he wants replacement brought in if the Dutchman does depart this winter.
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Memphis To Atletico?
The most likely destination for Memphis appears to be Atletico. The forward has reached a deal with the Rojiblancos that would run until 2025 with the option for an extra season, as reported by Sport.
However, the two clubs have not been able to find an agreement as yet. Barca want a fee or a player in exchange and would be happy to sign Yannick Carrasco, as reported by Relevo.
However, Diego Simeone’s side do not want Carrasco to leave as they still consider the Belgian to be an important member of the squad. Carrasco would be happy to sign for the Catalans and knows he is “highly regarded” by Xavi.
Where Else Could Memphis Go?
Newcastle is also a possible option for Memphis, with the Magpies having opened talks with the Dutchman over a loan move, as reported by Football Insider. The attacker has Premier League experience having played for Manchester United previously.
Former club PSV are also an option as they search for a replacement for Cody Gakpo. Memphis’s Netherlands team-mate has already completed a move to Liverpool in the January window.
Barcelona clearly aren’t in a rush to offload Memphis but his departure would solve several problems. The Catalans would be able to register Gavi and Ronald Araujo’s new contracts and hand an extension to exciting youngster Alejandro Balde.
Xavi may ideally want a replacement but it’s worth noting he hardly lacks for forward options. The coach already has Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha and Ansu Fati in his squad.
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