In an article for SPORT, journalist Ferran Correas said that Manchester United might sign Barcelona forward Memphis Depay in January.
While the Netherlands international did start against Intercity in the midweek Copa del Rey match, it was more because the manager wanted to rest his key players. It is now practically a certainty that Xavi does not rely on the player.
The player’s original plan was to finish out his current contract, which is valid until June 2023, then sign a new one in the following summer. He is eager to go back to Manchester United, where he previously played from 2015 to 2017, but given the lack of playing time.
According to Correas, given the current circumstances, Depay might try to find a way out during the winter, although the transfer is trickier than it appears.
The attacker initially wants to go with a letter of freedom, but Barcelona wants to get paid for selling him.
The Blaugrana are aware that the agreement won’t result in significant financial gain for them because his contract is already due to expire in the summer. The Catalan team, however, can take advantage of Manchester United’s predicament. Anthony Martial is the only centre-forward available to the Red Devils now that Cristiano Ronaldo has left the club. Marcus Rashford is available, but the English forward normally plays on the flanks.
However, many working in United’s offices are reluctant to make a significant investment in a player this month. They are keeping an eye on Joao Felix’s status in preparation for their primary plan, which is to acquire a player on loan.
Depay has only appeared in four games for Barcelona this year, it should be emphasized. While injuries have contributed to this, he is aware that the team’s decision to not bet on him does not constitute a sporting decision and that his removal from games is simply a matter of fact.
