Memphis Depay has told Ziggo Sport he must prove that he belongs at the ‘best club in the world’ amid reports Tottenham Hotspur have tabled a bid for the Barcelona star’s transfer.
The Dutchman only moved to the Camp Nou in June for free at the end of his contract with Lyon. But Depay is now having to try and force a way back into Xavi Hernandez’s side after overcoming an injury. He also now faces competition from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Barcelona moved to strengthen their attack again in the mid-season sales in Aubameyang and Ferran Torres. But their arrivals and his fitness issues have held Depay to only 69 La Liga minutes since December 4. Even though he scored against Athletic Bilbao and Elche.
Xavi has favoured Aubameyang from the off in recent games, and will likely stick with the former Arsenal forward when Barcelona visit Real Madrid in the El Clasico on Sunday night. Just as he did at Galatasaray in the Europa League on Thursday, with Depay on the bench.
Tottenham are taking stock of Depay’s troubles at Barcelona and are keen on his transfer this summer, per Gerard Romero. Antonio Conte’s side have even tabled an offer to the Blaugrana for the 28-year-old. But Depay remains focused on his career at the Camp Nou.
Tottenham target Memphis Depay admits ‘I need to prove’ he belongs at Barcelona
Depay was determined to join Barcelona – over interest from Tottenham, who held talks with his agent, per FC Inter News. He even agreed to remove €2m (£1.5m) off the wage he agreed with the Catalan outfit, reducing his salary to €5m-a-year (£80k-a-week), per Goal.
Spurs returning to the 75-cap Dutch star’s representatives to discuss joining in the summer may prove a futile exercise. As despite having a lesser role under Xavi upon his compatriot Ronald Koeman’s exit, Depay has hinted he has no interest in leaving the Camp Nou soon.
“It is normal that there is competition for me here, I play for the best club in the world,” he said, via quotes by Sport. “I got injured at a bad time of the season, that sucks. But now I am fit and happy again, I scored 2 goals. I need to prove that I belong in the starting team.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
