In our view, if Newcastle end up signing Memphis Depay, that is a major red flag regarding their transfer strategy.
SPORT have claimed that the currently 3rd placed side in the Premier League are set to hold talks over a potential deal involving the Dutchman.
Since their takeover, the Magpies have been lauded for their measured approach in the transfer market.
Despite now having access to a wealth of resources, Eddie Howe’s side have avoided flocking to the biggest names.
Instead, astute, yet excellent additions such as Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Nick Pope to name a few have been made by the club.
However, the acquisition involving the Barcelona forward would be the anthesis of this policy.
Why Newcastle should avoid Depay at all costs
A lack of need
For starters, Newcastle United have cover in positions where Memphis Depay would be at his very best, which is centre-forward.
While many would claim that the 28-year-old is traditionally a winger, he is at his best centrally, as one has seen for the Netherlands.
At St. James’ Park, the Magpies already have one of Europe’s most gifted young strikers in Alexander Isak and one of the Premier League’s most in-form No.9’s in Callum Wilson.
As a result, signing Depay, who is reportedly on £159,000-a-week (via Salary Sport) in weekly wages would make little to no sense.
Keeping these factors in mind, it would be bizarre to see Newcastle make a move for the Dutch international.
A history of underperformance
While Memphis Depay certainly made headlines for the right reasons at PSV and Lyon, the same cannot be said when he made the two biggest moves in his career to Manchester United and Barcelona.
Compared to Cristiano Ronaldo by ex-PSV director Marcel Brands (via ESPN) back then, he simply failed to live up to the billing at Old Trafford.
While some may defend Depay by suggesting that a switch to United came too early for him, the same cannot be said for his poor spell at Barcelona.
Despite coming off an excellent Euro 2020 campaign to join Xavi’s side, he already seems to be an outcast at the club just a year in.
Struggling to impose himself both out wide and up front, Depay continues to be extremely hit and miss at club level.
At a club like Newcastle with heaps of pressure to perform and a chance of qualifying for Europe, they cannot afford to bring in a player as inconsistent as the ex-Manchester United prodigy.
With Depay’s flaws and the Magpies being one of the most savvy clubs in the transfer market, it would come as an unpleasant surprise if this move went over the line.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
