Why Memphis Depay would be a useful signing for Barcelona in January
According to Marca, Memphis Depay hasn’t ruled out a January move to Barcelona. A transfer was expected this summer but after a lot of talks, the deal collapsed before the deadline.
Nonetheless, the player remains interested in a reunion with former manager Ronald Koeman. His current contract is due to expire at the end of the season. Lyon will look to sell him in January instead of losing him on a free transfer next season.
Profile
The 26-year-old Dutch forward started his youth career at VV Moordrecht in 2000 and moved to Sparta Rotterdam after 3 years. Another three years later, he joined PSV Eindhoven’s youth setup.
Spending the next few years in the U-17s and U-19s, he was promoted to the senior side in 2011. He went on to make 124 appearances for the side, scoring 50 goals and 29 assists. His final season at PSV, where he scored 28 goals and was the Eredivisie’s top scorer, prompted Manchester United to splash the cash on him.
However, the move did not go as planned. Depay struggled to replicate his form and despite many chances, he failed to cement his spot in the team. Within 6 months of Jose Mourinho’s arrival, Depay was off to Lyon.
Since then, Depay has rediscovered his form and has managed to make 144 appearances for the club, scoring 58 goals and assisting another 43 (source – Transfermarkt). Depay has been the spearhead of the Dutch national team over the last few years, making 53 appearances and scoring 19 times.
Barcelona need a striker like Depay
After the departure of Luis Suarez to Atletico Madrid (source – Independent), the club only have Martin Brathwaite to call on as a natural centre-forward. Griezmann does play in the attack but he is more suited to a second striker position.
The absence of a No.9 is clearly visible as Griezmann and Fati like to stay out wide while Messi drops into the midfield. While the system isn’t bad per se and seems to be working for now, the club does need someone to replace Suarez and his goal contributions.
Verdict
Memphis Depay is a good attacker. At 26, he is stepping into his prime years as a forward. He played a part in Lyon’s journey to the semi-final in the Champions League last season.
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Capable of playing as a left-winger too, he can be used as a centre-forward by Barcelona. He has been in good form over the last few seasons and has gathered experience from playing in various leagues. Ronald Koeman should have no problems slotting Depay into the team. The pair have worked together previously when he was in charge of the Netherlands national team.
