Barcelona forward Memphis Depay is demanding a ‘millionaire salary’ to now pull a U-turn and leave the Camp Nou, amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
That’s according to Sport, who report Xavi Hernandez has told Depay that he has no future at the La Liga giants. Barcelona are desperate to offload the Dutchman after signing Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich, but Depay is refusing to accept any move this summer.
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Blaugrana chiefs are relentlessly urging Depay to accept that his future does not reside in Catalunya a year after arriving. The 28-year-old joined Barcelona in a Bosman move under Ronald Koeman in 2021, after he had allowed his contract with Ligue 1 side Lyon to expire.
Memphis Depay holds the keys to Barcelona exit amid Tottenham interest
Depay is steadfast refusing to accept any potential transfers away from the Camp Nou this summer as he intends to fulfil the final year of his contract. He is also convinced that Xavi will afford him an integral role this term, despite Lewandowski joining the club for £42.5m.
The 80-cap forward, who Patrick Vieira has called a ‘terrific talent’, has also pointed out to Barcelona the financial efforts he made to join last year. Goal reported Depay reduced the €7m-a-season (£113k-a/w) salary the Blaugrana had agreed to pay him to €5m (£81k-a/w).
Depay gave up 30% of his wage to help Barcelona’s efforts to work within La Liga’s wage cap. So, the fact that the Blaugrana are now wanting to sell him for €20m (£17m) confuses the forward. Barcelona also suspect they may have to lower their price tag to force a deal.
Tottenham have shown an interest in taking Depay from Barcelona after holding talks with Xavi’s side, per Sport. But the Dutch attacker told Spurs he was not inclined to join Antonio Conte’s squad this summer. And further clubs have since entered the possible bidding war.
Reports by TuttoJuve claim Erik ten Hag is keen to sign Depay for Manchester United in his first window as manager. Mundo Deportivo also note Juventus are exploring a deal for the attacker who scored 13 goals last season, while 90min report he was offered to Newcastle.
So, Tottenham will face one huge hurdle in convincing Depay to leave Barcelona, and also a host of rival interest should the forward pull a U-turn and now agree to leave the Camp Nou.
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