Barcelona forward Memphis Depay is reportedly in talks to join La Liga champions Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Memphis Depay has begun discussions with Atletico Madrid over a possible move in the summer transfer window. Barcelona will demand €30 million to part with the Dutch international, with Xavi Hernandez green-lighting his sale.
Memphis Depay joined Barcelona on a Bosman move last summer after running down his contract with Lyon. The move has not panned out as envisioned, as after a strong start to his stint with the Blaugrana, the 27-year-old has been alarmingly inconsistent.
The Dutch forward has eight goals and two assists in 22 appearances across all competitions thus far this season. But the player’s inability to score a single goal in six UEFA Champions League outings contributed to Barcelona’s ouster from Europe’s premier club competition. Things have gone from bad to worse for Depay, as Xavi Hernandez has been unimpressed by his performances.
Barcelona could thus sanction Depay’s sale in the summer. With the player only signing a two-year contract with the club upon his arrival, the second transfer window of the year could be the last opportunity for the Blaugrana to recoup a handy sum from his sale, with a €30 million fee likely to be demanded. And Depay’s next destination could be Atletico Madrid.
The reigning La Liga champions have a recent history of conducting business with Barcelona, having secured the services of Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann in the last two years. But Suarez will likely leave Atletico Madrid in the summer, prompting Los Rojiblancos to enter the market for a forward.
With Angel Correa flourishing this season and Matheus Cunha being a long-term solution as a striker, Atletico Madrid could sign a versatile attacker instead of bringing in a like-for-like replacement for Suarez. Depay is thus a viable target for the Colchoneros, who have initiated discussions over a possible summer move.
Depay himself is keen on joining Atletico Madrid in the summer after being left dismayed by Barcelona’s stance on a possible sale. His €30 million price tag is unlikely to hinder Atletico Madrid, and a summer move could materialise if the talks progress smoothly.
