Memphis Depay next club odds? Dream, realistic and wildcard contenders
Memphis Depay appears to be on his way out of the Nou Camp.
The 28-year-old forward has reportedly been deemed surplus to requirements at Barcelona, just one year after initially joining. Unfortunately for the Dutchman, a dream move ends in a nightmare despite bagging 12 goals across 28 league games in a post-Lionel Messi world.
Where he writes the next chapter will be interesting. Depay is arguably the Netherlands’ most important footballer heading into this winter’s World Cup and Louis van Gaal would ideally want his talisman’s immediate future sorted before heading off to Qatar.
As follows are contenders to become his next destination; a dream option, a realistic choice and a wildcard selection.
Dream: Man Utd (9/1)
Could redemption be on the cards? Erik ten Hag’s arrival has shifted Manchester United’s transfer policy to seemingly hiring those who have an Eredivisie background. Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez have all joined the former Ajax head coach at Old Trafford with Depay’s Barcelona and Netherlands teammate Frenkie de Jong reportedly the club’s number one target. Depay is no stranger to United having been Van Gaal’s first major acquisition when he succeeded David Moyes in 2014 but the former PSV Eindhoven winger struggled, with many feeling it was too much too soon.
Depay left for Lyon after just one year and it was there that his career was resurrected, thus earning Barça’s attention. With the prospect of Cristiano Ronaldo leaving, United will naturally be looking for another forward. Depay isn’t the player who signed for United. During his time away, the Dutchman evolved into someone capable of playing as a false nine while offering considerable threat from the flanks. In 178 appearances for Lyon, Depay scored 76 goals while at international level since March 2017 he has 37 goals in 54 games.
Realistic: Sevilla (7/1)
They say never to go back so Depay may continue playing away from Manchester, but closer to Barcelona, with Sevilla reportedly keen to acquire the Dutchman’s services. As touched upon, Depay looked credible in his debut La Liga campaign having struck eight goals across his opening 14 outings, but a slew of niggling injuries saw him lose his spot and the Dutcman would only complete the full 90 minutes just once across his final 13 appearances.
Despite this, Depay still managed to outscore Sevilla’s attackers last term. Their current attacking options are Youssef En-Nesyri, Rafa Mir, Munir El Haddadi and Iván Romero with Lucas Ocampos, Oussama Idrissi, Tecatito, Erik Lamela, Suso and Rony Lopes offering depth from out wide. On top of that Sevilla, unlike the Red Devils, can offer Champions League football.
Wildcard: Borussia Dortmund (16/1)
Following a routine examination during Borussia Dortmund’s pre-season Sébastien Haller was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Haller, who joined BVB from Ajax for a reported €31m, is now indefinitely sidelined meaning the German powerhouse could dip back into the market. Already several names have been linked but Depay could be a good addition even when Haller returns. Dortmund already employ his compatriot Donyell Malen with Karim Adeyemi and Youssoufa Moukoko as centre-forward options.
