Real Madrid are reportedly lining up a shock January move for Memphis Depay in order to beat Barcelona to the signature of the Dutch forward.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes, Memphis Depay has emerged on the radar of Real Madrid over a possible move in the January transfer window. The Dutch international is also the subject of interest from Los Blancos’ arch-rivals Barcelona.
Depay has turned his career around spectacularly since joining Lyon from Manchester United. Over the past four years or so, the 26-year-old has been sensational, becoming a pivotal figure for club and country in this period. In 158 appearances for Les Gones, Depay has a solid tally of 65 goals and 48 assists to show for his efforts.
His progress has hardly gone unnoticed as far as the bigger clubs are concerned and with the Dutchman in the final year of his deal with Lyon, an exit is believed to be a formality especially after recent comments made by him over a move to a top team, either this month or in the summer. Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing him.
Barcelona have been linked with a move for Depay for a long time, with the Catalans also having tried to sign him in January before a move failed to materialise. The presence of Ronald Koeman, who brought the best out of him at the Dutch national side, has turned the player’s head as well, with the Blaugrana eyeing him as a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez.
However, despite the constant links, it has been suggested that Barcelona are not going to make a January move for the 26-year-old, and will instead focus their efforts on prising him away as a free agent in the summer instead. This stance, though, could work in favour of Real Madrid.
The report has suggested that Real Madrid are eyeing Depay as a replacement for Luka Jovic, who joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan last week. The former Manchester United forward, though, could also be an option out wide, owing to the long-term absence of Rodrygo Goes due to a hamstring injury.
In fact, Todo Fichajes have gone so far as claiming that a deal could be agreed between Real Madrid and Lyon in the coming days, with Depay having no qualms about leaving Barcelona high and dry. With Lyon enjoying a fine working relationship with Los Blancos, a transfer could well be in the offing. Having said that, it remains to be seen if Real Madrid do make a move for Depay this month.
