According to Mundo Deportivo, Juventus now want to sign Memphis Depay – a player who has been offered to Newcastle.
What’s the story?
Well, as Barcelona attempt to sell the £158,000-a-week forward, Eddie Howe has been offered the chance to bring the Dutchman to Tyneside.
However, if Newcastle had planned to take up that offer, they now face a potential obstacle.
Juventus – known for seizing market opportunities such as the free transfers of Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba, Angel Di Maria and Dani Alves – are now considering a move for Depay, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract with Barcelona.
Xavi has told the Netherlands international to leave the Camp Nou, as he is no longer needed following the signings of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, as well as the renewal of Ousmane Dembele.
Mundo Deportivo state that Juventus actually wanted to sign Depay when he was a free agent in 2021, before he signed a two-year contract with Barcelona.
Interest in the 28-year-old comes after he scored 13 goals in 37 appearances last season.
Newcastle should bid for Memphis Depay
In our view, Newcastle should make an offer for Depay after being offered his services.
Howe and Dan Ashworth – Director of Football at Newcastle – have struggled to sign a striker this summer, despite a serious push for Hugo Ekitike, who eventually joined Paris Saint-Germain.
There is also interest in PSG’s Arnaud Kalimuendo, but with Christophe Galtier keen to keep the 20-year-old in Paris, Howe should bite the bullet and sign Depay.
As aforesaid, Barcelona desperate to sell, and with the player himself in the final year of his contract, there may not be an easier deal for Newcastle to complete this summer – if they can fend Juventus off, that is.
Keep an eye on this situation, as we’d be very surprised if nobody takes Depay off Barcelona’s hands.
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