Newcastle United are reportedly ready to make a move for Barcelona forward Memphis Depay, who is valued at €50 million.
According to El Nacional, Newcastle United have identified Memphis Depay as a transfer priority in the upcoming January market. The Magpies are desperate to add offensive reinforcements in order to help his team stave off relegation during the second half of the campaign.
Depay has emerged as an ideal option, with Barcelona ready to offload him in January. The Catalans value the player at around €50 million, which Newcastle United would be willing to pay. They are prepared to even offer the Dutchman the same salary he currently earns at Barcelona, thus opening up a possibility of a shock return to the Premier League.
Formerly of Lyon, Depay joined Barcelona on a free transfer this past summer. It was perceived as a smart move by the board, as the winger was coming on the back of a successful spell in Ligue 1. A promising start to his career in La Liga made the Barcelona fans further optimistic about his future at the club.
However, since the sacking of Ronald Koeman, Depay has struggled to maintain his performance levels. The Dutchman notably failed to involve himself in a single goal in the club’s UEFA Champions League group stage campaign, and it appears the new coach Xavi does not rate him quite highly.
On top of his struggles, Barcelona’s recent capture of Ferran Torres has forced the former Manchester United starlet to reconsider his future in Catalonia, with a return to England seemingly emerging as a possibility.
Newcastle United have been listed as the likely suitor, especially with the Magpies prepared to meet the player’s €50 million valuation. It seems Newcastle are looking to make a statement with the potential capture of the Dutchman, whose addition to the club could also go a long way in helping them make a recovery in the second half of the season.
As for Barcelona, the potential exit of Depay could help them balance the books after they spent a fortune on Torres recently. Aside from the Dutch international, the Catalans are also keen on offloading Philippe Coutinho, with the Brazilian reportedly favouring a move to Arsenal in the upcoming January transfer window.
