Football

5 options available to Depay including Man Utd return and transfer to Liverpool


Memphis Depay currently sits second in the Ligue 1 top-scorer charts with 14 goals this season, hot on the heels of PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.

But as it stands, the Dutchman be available on a free transfer this summer at the expiry of his contract with Lyon.

Memphis has done a remarkable job of rekindling his confidence and form in recent years after a challenging 18-month spell at Manchester United.

He arrived at Old Trafford in 2015 with a huge weight of expectation having been crowned France Football’s Best Young Player that year.

Seven goals in 53 appearances later, Memphis was ushered out the door to join Lyon in a deal worth an initial £16million – £9million less than United had paid PSV for his services.



Memphis is facing a decision over his future after excelling for Lyon in recent seasons
Memphis is facing a decision over his future after excelling for Lyon in recent seasons

Since joining the French club, the 27-year-old has picked up 69 goals and 50 assists in 165 appearances and was named club captain in 2019.

His revived form has attracted the attention of clubs across Europe and Barcelona were on the verge of bringing Memphis to Camp Nou on deadline day in October, though the last-gasp deal was never struck.

Memphis re-committed himself to Lyon and has enjoyed another stellar season in attack, but speculation surrounding his future will only grow between now and his contract’s expiry at the end of June.

With that in mind, Mirror Football examines five options open to Memphis this summer.

Return to Manchester United



Manchester United have a buy-back clause for Memphis
Manchester United have a buy-back clause for Memphis

It didn’t work out well the first time, but there’s every chance Memphis could prove a success at Manchester United if he was given a second chance.

With current No.9 Anthony Martial enduring a sub-par season and Edinson Cavani now 34 years old, signing a forward this summer may be high on Ed Woodward’s priorities.

United had to fend off heavy interest from Paris Saint-Germain to sign Memphis in 2015 and may not fancy another battle for the Dutchman’s services.

But, crucially, they could step to the front of the queue of suitors thanks to a buy-back clause included when he was sold to Lyon.

The French club’s sporting director, Juninho, confirmed its existence in 2019, saying: “It’s true that Manchester United have a priority to buy back Memphis.”

This would undoubtedly ease the process of bringing Memphis back to Old Trafford.

Re-forge Dutch connection at Barcelona



Dutchmen Koeman and Memphis could reunite at Camp Nou
Dutchmen Koeman and Memphis could reunite at Camp Nou

Many expect Memphis will simply join Barcelona this summer having almost sealed the transfer last October.

Juninho confirmed the player had agreed terms with the Catalans on deadline day, saying: “He has reached an agreement with Barcelona, we don’t hide that at all.”

But the move was never completed, with Memphis later claiming it was “pretty close” but “there were certain rules that prevented it unfortunately”.

It seems likely Barcelona were unable to stump up the cash to prise Memphis from Lyon, though that will not be a problem with the player available for free this summer.

Although the La Liga giants are in a bad way, they remain a huge name and an attractive prospect for any player.

This is especially true for Memphis, as a move to Barca would see him link up with his former Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, who is now in the Camp Nou hot seat.

With Lionel Messi out of contract this summer, Barcelona may well be in the market for a new forward and Memphis is an affordable target for the cash-strapped club.



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A sensational Liverpool move



Memphis sent a message of support to Van Dijk after his fellow Dutchman suffered an ACL injury
Memphis sent a message of support to Van Dijk after his fellow Dutchman suffered an ACL injury

If Memphis has bad memories of Manchester United but wants to return to the Premier League, Liverpool could be his best bet.

And Spanish outlet Fichajes claims Liverpool will aim to beat Barcelona to signing the former PSV man this summer.

There has been growing clamour for the Reds to sign a new striker this summer, as Roberto Firmino’s tally of six goals in 35 appearances this season has raised serious questions of his ability to lead the line.

Among those calling for a new No.9 at Anfield is club legend Jamie Carragher, who said : “Liverpool definitely need to bring a goalscorer in.

“I don’t know exactly what position for, whether that’s a centre-forward or a midfielder. At the moment they are massively reliant on (Mohamed) Salah and (Sadio) Mane, nobody else looks like they’re going to score.”

Memphis would certainly liven up Liverpool’s attack and would be a welcome addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad, as he is able to operate up front, on the left wing and in attacking midfield.

A move to the Merseyside club would also see Memphis join forces with his Netherlands teammates Virgil van Dijk and Georginio Wijnaldum – assuming the latter extends his contract.

Pen a new Lyon deal



Lyon chiefs remain hopeful Memphis could still extend his contract
Lyon chiefs remain hopeful Memphis could still extend his contract

Of course, Memphis could opt to extend his stay at Parc Olympique Lyonnais.

He is much-loved by Lyon fans, is posting fine goal and assist numbers and serves as the club’s captain.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has not given up hope Memphis will sign an extension and recently said: “Until the end we believe that he will renew for next season.

“Right now it is not something that is possible but why not? He is a great talent, world class.

“There are not many like him in the team. He brings solutions. I always wanted him to remain but our offers did not convince him.

“We helped him go to FC Barcelona but financially it was not possible.”

Whether Lyon can win any silverware this season may prove vital to Memphis’ decision over his future.

He is yet to win a trophy since joining the club in 2017 but this season they have a real chance; Lyon sit second in Ligue 1, narrowly ahead of PSG and three points behind leaders Lille.

As he enters his prime Memphis’ thoughts may turn to titles and Lyon – who fell short in last season’s Champions League semi-finals – will need to show their captain they are capable of winning them.

Lyon have no European distractions to contend with this season and will hope a Ligue 1 title could convince Memphis to stay.

Should Memphis Depay stay at Lyon or search for a new challenge this summer? Have your say in the comments.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s heir at Juventus



Memphis has been linked with a move to Juventus, with Ronaldo's future at the club uncertain
Memphis has been linked with a move to Juventus, with Ronaldo’s future at the club uncertain

Memphis has also been linked with a move to Juventus as the Italian giants look to bolster their attack this summer.

A glance at the Serie A table shows Juve are not the dominant force they have been for the last decade and the Scudetto appears likely to be claimed by either Inter Milan or AC Milan.

Bianconeri boss Andrea Pirlo will be desparate to close the gap next season and will likely need new firepower.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata are Juve’s top scorers this season, with the latter on loan from Atletico Madrid with an option to buy.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, will have one year left on his deal come this summer and the Turin club may decide to cash in on the Portugal superstar rather than lose him for free next summer.

PSG are believed to be interested in bringing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to Parc des Princes, which would leave a centre-forward hole for Juventus to plug.

With that in mind, Turkish outlet Fanatik claims Memphis is firmly on Juventus’ radar.

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