In a bizarre contract saga, Barcelona forward asks to leave the club
Memphis Depay of Barcelona could be on his way out of the Nou Camp in unusual circumstances after only one season with the Blaugrana, according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that the club is looking to negotiate with his agents to release the Dutchman from his contract.
Depay, 28, joined the club on a free transfer from Lyon last season after five years at the Groupama Stadium, where he was relatively impressive with 12 goals in 28 La Liga appearances under Ronald Koeman and Xavi.
He is expected to play again in the upcoming season, but the signings of Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the last six months have pushed him way down the pecking order.
With another year left on his contract, clubs may be able to sign him for a bargain price while he is at the peak of his career. However, according to Romano, Barcelona officials are in talks with Depay’s lawyers in order to reach an agreement on releasing him from his contract, which would incur a fee.
According to Romano’s recent column for CaughtOffside, the Dutchman would only accept the proposal if he could find a ‘top club’ to relocate to, with his lawyers currently working to find the best situation for all parties.
Juventus is aware of the situation but has yet to make a bid, and Tottenham Hotspur are rumored to be interested in his services.
Barcelona executives have laughed off a fee of £17 million (€20 million), but a lower fee could work to end his stay on Spain’s east coast.