Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd transfer news: Talks held, as journalist names exciting attacker ‘under consideration’ in bargain deal

Ansu Fati and Memphis Depay of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Barcelona v FC Dynamo Kiev played at Camp Nou Stadium Stadium

Manchester United are weighing up a bid to bring Memphis Depay back to the club for a second spell, a journalist has revealed.

Depay previously played for Man Utd between the summer of 2015 and January 2017. However, he did not make a success of his Premier League career. In the English top flight, Memphis only scored two goals from a total of 33 appearances (among an overall tally of seven goals from 53 games for the Red Devils).

Although Man Utd may have bad memories of Depay from before, they could now be looking at bringing him back.

The Netherlands international has revived his career since leaving Man Utd. He scored 76 goals in 178 games for Lyon before joining Barcelona in 2021.

For Barcelona, Memphis has scored 14 goals from 41 games. In other words, he has got double the number of goals for them that he did for Man Utd, in a similar timespan and a lower number of appearances.

Now, Depay is facing an uncertain future at Barcelona, at the same time Man Utd are wondering what to do with their attack.

Barcelona only have Depay under contract for another six months, so could lose him on the cheap. And Man Utd are looking for attacking reinforcements after releasing Cristiano Ronaldo back in November.

Hence, there have already been some suggestions that Depay – clearly now better equipped for success at the top level than he was last time he was at United, although he still might divide opinion among their fanbase – could get a second chance back in Manchester.

Correspondent reveals Man Utd stance on Memphis Depay return

Now, with the January transfer window open, The Athletic‘s Manchester United correspondent, Laurie Whitwell, has confirmed the club will be considering Depay as an option.

After being asked about the likelihood of a new attacker arriving in January during a Q&A, Whitwell wrote: “Memphis Depay will come under consideration, given he only has six months left on his Barcelona contract and should be available for a modest financial commitment.

“Talks were held last summer, although they were pushed more by Depay’s side.”

Despite the consideration of Depay, Whitwell also acknowledged it might be more likely for Man Utd to sign an attacker on loan.

The reporter has confirmed that co-owner Joel Glazer does not want to spend too heavily after paying more than expected on transfers in the summer. They may even fail to sign anyone at all in January.

Results, either good or bad, may affect the club’s stance on winter transfers.

Another option if they can invest in their attack, according to Whitwell, would be Joao Felix of Atletico Madrid. However, in his case, the asking price could again be off-putting.

Still, Erik ten Hag is said to be “pushing for a new centre-forward”, which he hasn’t exactly hidden when talking to the media recently.

His compatriot Depay might be an option, although only time will tell if United can sign him on the cheap in January or would have to wait for a free transfer in the summer.

What’s more, the 28-year-old has been linked with some other suitors as well. Hence, his future will be an intriguing topic to keep an eye on throughout January.

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