Manchester United Make Official Offer for Barca Forward Memphis Depay

Memphis Depay, Arsenal, Manchester United

According to latest reports in Spain, Manchester United have made their first move for signing Barcelona forward Memphis Depay. The Red Devils have contacted the player’s camp over bringing him to Old Trafford in the winter transfer window.

The Dutch forward is in search of regular game-time after the arrival of Robert Lewandowksi at Camp Nou. United are seeing this as a perfect opportunity since they have been searching for a forward themselves because of Anthony Martial’s injury concerns and Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract termination.

Memphis Depay, Manchester United, Barcelona — Image Obtained Via SPORT

Memphis Depay was part of the Manchester United squad before, from 2015 to 2017. However, the fans had mixed reactions to his time in England. While it was good to watch a player with his flair at Old Trafford, the club was struggling to get good results on a consistent basis. The poor performances by the team in turn resulted in a low number of goals and assists for the forward.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (via The Express) reported that the 28-year-old has no intention of extending his deal with the Catalans. He is in the last year of his contract at Camp Nou and can negotiate a pre-contract with any club next month. However, the striker wants to leave for free in January and the Red Devils have presented him with the opportunity.

According to Adrian Sanchez via Manchester Evening News, Manchester United have officially submitted an offer for Memphis Depay. Although the details remain undisclosed, it is quite clear that an option to return to United is available for the Dutchman.

Memphis Depay has received an offer from Manchester United for this winter transfer window.

— @_AdrianSnchz pic.twitter.com/ELDkCzqkei

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 10, 2022

This should make it easier for the Red Devils while negotiating in the January transfer window. With United in dire need of centre-forwards, it is a plus sign that Depay is also looking for a new club and they are ready to give him a helping hand.

Now, as reported by transfer expert Florian Plettenburg, with United interested in signing the 28-year-old, Barcelona are prepared to terminate his contract in January to facilitate a free transfer. Erik ten Hag is open to bringing the forward to Old Trafford while the Spanish giants desperately want to save his salary.

News #Depay: He is also on the list of #MUFC. We‘ve been told that Ten Hag can really imagine bringing him back. There is contact between all parties. Barca would even terminate the contract, desperately wants to save the salary. @Sky_Marc @SkySportDE 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/PSrkcNiVnx

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 25, 2022

The Dutchman has appeared for Barcelona only three times this season (stats via Transfermarkt). But he has managed to score a goal in the very limited time he has got on the pitch. Nevertheless, Barca manager Xavi sees Depay as a surplus to his plans going forward as the Catalan attack is stacked with talent.

The Netherlands international has matured a lot since the last time he played at the Theatre of Dreams. However, it cannot be said that he will fit directly into Erik ten Hag’s system.

Is Memphis Depay The Right Choice For Manchester United Going Forward?

Anthony Martial has not been reliable for Ten Hag in terms of fitness this season. Yes, the French forward has had a goal contribution almost every time he has stepped onto the pitch. But with Ronaldo gone and Martial struggling to find full fitness, United must find a fix for this situation.

The Dutch manager is willing to give Memphis Depay a second chance in England. The Dutch connection could act as a catalyst to boost the relationship between the player and the manager.

However, Ten Hag favours a striker who is fast, presses well, tracks back, and holds the ball with good linkup play. Martial ticks all the boxes but has unfortunately stayed sidelined for the majority of the season. Memphis Depay plays a similar style to that of Martial but lacks the physical and aerial prowess that the Frenchman possesses.

It might be beneficial for United if they research more before finalizing a deal for the Dutch forward. There could be a striker that ticks all the checkboxes and is younger than Depay. United is currently rebuilding and signing players for the long term will help them create a base to improve upon in the later years.

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