The signing of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich has limited Memphis Depay’s game time at Barcelona.
This season he has played in just two La Liga games and only 15 minutes in the Champions League. Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres, two wide players, are preferred by Xavi Hernández in the central attacking role.
Against Atlético Madrid on Sunday, Xavi started Ansu Fati in place of the suspended Lewandowski in Barcelona’s 1-0 win at the Cívitas Metropolitano.
The Catalan club were willing to offload Depay in the summer window, but he stayed put at Camp Nou. As Relevo reported in November, Barça were confident that the Dutchman would agree to leave in January.
The Blaugrana need the revenue and his departure would be welcome at the club. A move away looks favourable for all parties, and the Dutch forward has been linked with a move to Atlético to replace João Félix, who will join Chelsea on loan until the end of the season.
Depay’s deal at Camp Nou expires on 30 June 2023 and it remains to be seen if he has a future with the current league leaders. The 28-year-old has only made four appearances in all competitions for Barcelona this season, scoring one goal in La Liga.
Kieran Quaile | GSFN
