Newcastle United have been offered the opportunity to sign Barcelona outcast Memphis Depay this summer.
A recent report from 90 Min has offered a fresh update on Newcastle United’s quest to find a new attacker this summer. The Premier League outfit have been severely disappointed with their pursuit of top targets such as Hugo Ekitike, which has forced them to find other options in the market.
Clubs and agents across Europe are trying to take advantage of Newcastle’s desperation by offering them the opportunity to sign fringe players. In one such case, the Magpies have been offered the chance to sign Barcelona star Memphis Depay.
The Dutchman was roped in as a free agent by Barcelona last summer, with many seeing him as the leader of the club’s new-generation attacker – one without Lionel Messi. The attacker did not disappoint either, starting the season well before his progress slowed down due to an unfortunate injury.
If injuries weren’t enough, Depay saw himself tumbling down the pecking order following the January additions of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres and Adama Traore. His role in the team could dwindle further ahead of the new season, as Barcelona have already roped in Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski while extending the contract of Ousmane Dembele.
Barcelona have informed Memphis Depay of his lack of first-team prospects and asked him to find a new club in the summer. The Dutchman has had no shortage of suitors either, having been offered to several clubs across Europe, including Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle United are the most recent club to have been given the opportunity to sign the former Lyon starlet. Depay’s agent is aware of the fact that the Magpies are in need of attacking reinforcements after missing out on Ekitike, coupled with the inconsistencies of winter signing Chris Wood.
Newcastle United are increasingly considering a move for Bordeaux starlet Sekou Mara, but the youngster doesn’t have much experience at the highest level of football. That is where Memphis Depay comes into the fray.
With a combined total of around 350 appearances during his time in Eredivisie, Ligue 1 and Premier League, the Barcelona star brings a wealth of experience that could go a long way in shepherding the Newcastle United frontline that certainly lacks quality and the pedigree to truly challenge for the European spots next season.
However, the report suggests a move to St James’ Park for Depay is unlikely as coach Eddie Howe is unsure over how the attacker is going to fit into his tactical setup. As such, the former Bournemouth manager is open to scouting other options in the market.
