Depay keeps Premier League sides waiting as Barca exit nears
FT Desk
- 21 Aug 2022 20:00 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona striker Memphis Depay is nearing the exit at Camp Nou, but his Premier League suitors are firmly at the back of the line for his services.
The Catalans are keen to remove Depay from their squad, after one of their star signings of the last summer transfer window was overshadowed by the arrivals of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and more recently Robert Lewandowski up front.
Despite his relegated position in the Barca pecking order, the Netherlands still has plenty of admirers around the world of football.
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Among their number are two Premier League clubs, who are showing interest in the forward ahead of the close of the transfer window.
Tottenham have reportedly opened talks with Barcelona over a move for Depay and see him as a valuable addition to their forward line despite signing Richarlison from Everton earlier this summer.
Newcastle United have also been linked with the player, setting up a potential return to English football five years after his underwhelming stint with Manchester United ended with a sale to Lyon.
Both sides, however, will have to wait in line while Depay hopes to land his first choice of transfer destination.
Juve still Memphis' first choice
Juventus remain in pole position to clinch his signature, reports the Sun, having already agreed personal terms with the player.
The transfer is currently on hold while they discuss the terms of his exit with Barca.
Depay wants the club to terminate his current deal so he can leave as a free agent, while the Catalans hope to receive some sort of compensation for giving up their asset.
An accord is possible through midfielder Miralem Pjanic: reports in Italy suggest that Juventus could renounce their claim to unpaid bonuses from the transfer of the Bosnia international in return for a clear run at Depay.
In any case, Memphis will not rescind his Barcelona deal until he is certain a deal is in place to continue his career elsewhere - be it in Italy or back in England, where the prospect of improving the subdued image he left with United may act as a motivating factor.
