Barcelona attacker Memphis Depay has reportedly turned down the chance to join Tottenham Hotspur.
According to Spanish publication SPORT, Barcelona forward Memphis Depay has rejected the chance to join Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur. The Dutch forward is open to leaving the Catalan club but is eager to study more options before making a concrete decision.
Memphis Depay joined Barcelona last season on a free transfer from Lyon and reportedly took a pay cut to move to Camp Nou. He started the 2021/22 season strongly, being the club’s leading attacker. But following the winter arrivals of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres, the 28-year-old fell down the pecking order.
In all, the Dutchman made 37 appearances for the club, scoring 13 goals and assisting two. But he could be on his way out of Barcelona after just one season as his game time could take a drastic hit, which he would not want, especially in a World Cup year.
Barcelona have added Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski to their attack while also tying Ousmane Dembele to a new contract, leaving Depay looking for potential suitors. Tottenham were among the first clubs to show interest in signing the 28-year-old.
Spurs reportedly made their first move during their negotiations with Barcelona over the loan move for defender Clement Lenglet. Tottenham also approached Depay’s entourage with Barcelona’s permission, with the Blaugrana currently holding out for a fee of around €20 million for the forward.
The former Manchester United winger has turned down Tottenham’s approach for now and wants to study other projects. Depay is eager to join a club that would fight for trophies on multiple fronts and is keen to get an important role in the setup.
Tottenham seem stacked up in the attacking department, with Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski their first-choice attackers. They have also signed Richarlison from Everton, which means Depay might struggle to be a regular at the north London club as well.
The report claims that Barcelona are currently unaware of Manchester United’s interest in the Dutchman. He spent two disappointing seasons at Old Trafford after joining them under Louis van Gaal in 2015. Depa is also hoping that Barcelona will lower their asking price with just a year remaining on his contract with the Blaugrana.
A reduced market price would allow other clubs to explore the possibility of signing the 28-year-old as well. Meanwhile, Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the forward, and it will be interesting to see if the Gunners can usurp Tottenham in the race to sign the Barcelona forward.
