- 1 hours ago
Memphis Depay's Barcelona transfer terms as Man Utd return draws closer
Stuart Telford
- Updated: 3 Jan 2023 23:06 GMT
- 3 min read
Memphis Depay could return to Manchester United from Barcelona this winter, but there are conditions attached to any potential transfer…
Memphis has become surplus to requirements at Barca, the Blaugrana having signed Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich for €50 million last summer, with the Pole going on to score 18 goals in 20 games since.
The Catalan giants are also desperate to offload fringe players, especially well-paid ones, after suffering a group stage exit from this season's Champions League, and a move to Man United for Memphis could suit all parties.
READ: 10 players who could join Man Utd in January
Barca need the cash, Depay - a sure-fire Netherlands starter, injury-permitting, at the World Cup - wants the minutes, and United need an attacker with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial the only senior players in the position following Cristiano Ronaldo's release.
Memphis Depay to United 👀 the streets ain’t ready for the comeback
pic.twitter.com/NB3ugZQ3nw— Culture Force (@cultureforce1) December 28, 2022
Problem position
"The problem is that the Dutchman wants to maintain his current salary and that could only happen by leaving on a free transfer or on until the end of his contract," report Spanish outlet Sport.
A loan deal would suit United better. They broached a similar structure with PSV Eindhoven over Cody Gakpo before Depay's Netherlands teammate joined Liverpool for €57m up front instead. The Glazer family are reluctant to spend big with the club for sale, even if money could be made available.
READ: Revealed: Chelsea wanted to sign Gakpo in January but couldn't afford him
United could afford the forward's €10.4m a year salary - Memphis would only be their 10th best paid player if he earned the same at Old Trafford - but the transfer fee Barca crave would prove a stumbling block, with the Red Devils reportedly baulking at the €8m Atletico Madrid want for Joao Felix on a similar deal.
Negotiations between club(s) and player are underway, but something needs to give in order for a transfer to be completed this winter.
