With Barcelona looking to trim down their wage bill ahead of the January transfer window, Memphis Depay has emerged as one of the most likely candidates to leave the club.
The 28-year-old has fallen out of favour at Spotify Camp Nou just a little over a year after his arrival. The summer signings of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, coupled with Ousmane Dembele’s renewal, have meant that Depay has been reduced to a peripheral figure.
On top of that, the Dutchman has also had to deal with injury problems, all of which has restricted him to just three appearances this season.
An exit in January looks the best possible course of action for all parties involved. And Depay had been linked with a move back to former club Manchester United. But, of late, his ex-manager at Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho, is seeking a reunion at AS Roma.
Indeed, talks are already said to be underway with Depay and his camp while the Giallorossi are also in constant contact with Barça to thrash out an agreement that works for everyone involved, as per reports in Italy, as relayed by SPORT.
The report further claims that Barcelona are holding out for a nominal transfer fee of around €2 million for Depay, whose contract with the club expires at the end of the season. However, Roma are hoping to sign him for free or take him on loan for the remainder of the season.
At the same time, the forward’s salary demands could also be a hurdle. Depay had sought a contract of €7 million per year from Juventus during the summer, but could consider lowering those demands as long as he is an important part of the project.
However, the report adds that the Netherlands star wants Barcelona to pay out the remainder of his contract, which could again be an issue.
The Blaugrana, for their part, are considering all options on the table and are also hoping that his performances at the World Cup, which are improving game after game, help attract more suitors.
It remains to be seen how this story develops in the coming weeks as Barcelona and Depay seek to part ways with Roma pushing for his signing.