With the January transfer window less than a month away, clubs are busy chalking out plans for the mid-season trading period to improve their squads and FC Barcelona are no different.
The Blaugrana intend to sign a new right-back and would also consider bringing in a central midfielder. However, as things stand, they are unable to sign any players due to Financial Fair Play issues, due to which some sales will need to be made.
And at the moment, Memphis Depay is looking the likeliest to be shown the exit doors by Barça in January. The Dutchman has fallen down the pecking order at Spotify Camp Nou and has seen minutes come at a premium. So, a January exit could be on the cards for the 28-year-old.
SPORT is now reporting that Depay will meet with Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez next week to discuss his future and arrive at a decision.
THe 28-year-old Dutch ace was close to leaving the club in the summer, with the Catalans even being open to letting him leave for free.
However, given their current situation, the option of giving Depay a letter of freedom in January is no longer on the table. The only way the Netherlands forward would be allowed to leave is if Barcelona receive a transfer fee in exchange for him.
Furthermore, the report indicates that the Blaugrana could prioritise keeping hold of the former Manchester United ace as he offers goals and versatility. And given the club’s situation, manager Xavi realises that it will be difficult to bring in reinforcements.
Given the congested schedule and the World Cup excursion, the 42-year-old tactician fears there could be injuries and wants to have plenty of depth at his disposal to tackle such scenarios.
Depay, for his part, seeks more prominence in terms of playing minutes which is difficult at the moment due to the competition for places. With a little over six months on his contract, the Dutchman has offers on the table.
There has been interest from the likes of AS Roma, Juventus, Manchester United and Tottenham, but no significant movement has taken place as of yet. And as things stand, Barcelona will sanction a January exit only if they receive a sizeable transfer fee.