two French clubs ready to welcome Depay?

Memphis Depay’s adventure at FC Barcelona turns sour: arriving in the summer of 2021, the Dutchman is no longer in the plans of the current coach of the Catalan club, Xavi Hernandez.

Memphis Depay FC Barcelona

Selected for the World Cup with the Netherlands, Memphis Depay has only played 131 minutes of play this season, spread over 3 games. Injured since October 1 in the thigh, the 28-year-old striker was not favored by Xavi when he was available (3 games played out of 8 possible).

Targeted by Jorge Sampaoli’s Sevilla FC, Memphis Depay, who hopes to leave this winter, would also be popular in France. According to the Sports Daily, OGC Nice would have an eye on the Dutch international with 81 selections (for 42 goals). The former Manchester United striker wishes to terminate his contract with Barça amicably, in order to be able to freely choose his club in January 2023. Aware of this possibility, Nice, through its owner Jim Radcliffe, would have started discussions with the Batave clan, notably promising him a big signing bonus in the event of his arrival with the Aiglons.

A return to OL for Depay?

The second French club interested in Memphis Depay is called Olympique Lyonnais. Already spent at the 8th in Ligue 1 between 2017 and 2021, the Dutchman left a good memory there. In five seasons with Les Gones, the striker scored 76 goals in 179 official matches. According to information relayed by Todo Files, OL think they have something to play for, despite the club’s difficulties in L1 this season (8th in the standings, Peter Bosz sacked) and the absence of the European Cup. Jean-Michel Aulas, the president of the French club, would be in regular contact with the entourage of his former player, who could make a sensational return to the club, like Alexandre Lacazette and Corentin Tolisso this summer.

Note that the English club Manchester United, where Memphis Depay played from 2015 to 2017, would also be in the game. The Red Devils have reportedly started discussions with the player trained at PSV Eindhoven.

Author: Sara Brooks