Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Tottenham among three Euro giants spying Memphis Depay opening with Barcelona ready to dangle the carrot

Barcelona forward Memphis Depay

Tottenham have been named alongside a heavyweight pair who are all in the mix to sign Memphis Depay if Barcelona’s grand plans come to fruition, per a report.

The Spanish side’s financial difficulties have been well documented. However, Barcelona recently sold 10 percent of their LaLiga television broadcast rights to American company, Sixth Street.

That transaction netted Barcelona around €205m on their balance sheet prior to submitting their accounts for the 2021-22 campaign.

That has given them leeway to pursue high quality transfer targets, most notably Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.

Barca have reportedly struck an agreement with Leeds to sign Raphinha. Given the Brazilian only has eyes for Barcelona, Chelsea look set to be left empty-handed despite previously seeing a bid accepted by the Whites.

Lewandowski is another target for the forward ranks. Like Raphinha, Lewandowski is dead set on joining Barcelona. Ousmane Dembele also looks on course to sign a new contract.

However, exits may be required to free up both salary and space within the squad. Man Utd target, Frenkie de Jong, is one player who’ll help ease the burden financially, and Memphis Depay is another.

The Dutch forward, 28, will become surplus to requirements if Barcelona succeed in revamping their forward line.

Depay the fall guy?

That’s according to Spanish outlet Sport, who state Barcelona have been ‘very clear’ with the player: if he’s not going to get minutes, he will be sold.

Depay is claimed to prefer to remain at Barcelona if given the choice. However, he is a saleable asset and his contract only has 12 months left to run.

As such, Barcelona will seek a sale if able to sign the forwards they’re currently chasing. Failing to do so would allow Depay to leave for free next summer – something Barca cannot afford given their financial crisis.

Regarding the suitors, Tottenham and Italian heavyweights, Juventus and Inter Milan, are listed as potential landing spots.

Depay would reportedly only consider teams that can offer Champions League football if he does leave. Tottenham now tick that category.

Does Conte need another forward?

Antonio Conte can already call upon Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison and Lucas Moura. However, Liverpool showed last season you can never have too many quality players in the forward line.

What’s more, Moura previously stated his contract expires next summer with Tottenham holding an option for a further 12 months.

The club could trigger the option in order to protect their investment, though the likeliest outcome would then be a sale to ensure a fee is recouped.

Signing Depay this summer would get a fifth high quality forward on board ahead of a potential Moura exit next year. Like Richarlison, Depay is versatile, being capable of operating in any position across the front line.

Whether that scenario will unfold, only time will tell. While Spurs remain on the hunt for a new right wing-back, adding another forward won’t become a priority.