Walking in Memphis: Depay Man Utd-bound after free transfer demand?

FT Desk

• 8 Nov 2022 21:03 GMT
• 3 min read

Memphis Depay could be set for a sensational return to the Premier League after demanding that Barcelona tear up his contract in January.

Memphis is currently in the Netherlands ahead of the Qatar World Cup having been given time off by Barcelona after their 2-0 win over Almeria in La Liga on Saturday.

The Dutchman had already asked to leave last week as he recovers from a hamstring injury, but it was only granted on Sunday.

READ: Barcelona's 'Operation Exit' to start with three big departures

Barca are therefore without their attacker for Tuesday's trip to Osasuna - as they have been for much of this season. Able to play as a central striker or out wide, Barca signed two players in his positions this summer in Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.

As a result, the former Man Utd man has been restricted to just two games in La Liga, and one more outing in Barca's failed Champions League campaign.

Memphis arrived on a free from Lyon in the summer of 2021, helping the cash strapped Blaugrana with 13 goals and two assists in all competitions, and he feels the club owe him a favour.

READ: Memphis Depay: Where does Barcelona forward go from here?

"Depay has no intention of extending his contract," write Mundo Deportivo. "And if he leaves in January he wants to do it as a free agent to possibly win a signing on fee rather than see Barca profiting."

Could Man Utd pounce?

United were one of three clubs linked with a move for Memphis in the summer, alongside Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur, and Erik ten Hag is understood to be a fan of his compatriot.

The Red Devils have a need for attacking reinforcements in the winter window, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo set to leave the club, and Memphis could fit the bill for them.

Depay had an ill-fated 20-month spell at Old Trafford after arriving from PSV Eindhoven in 2015, but now, after proving himself with Lyon, Barca and the Netherlands, he could be ready to inherit Ronaldo's No.7 jersey once again.