5 options available to Memphis Depay including Man Utd return and transfer to Liverpool

Memphis Depay presently sits second within the Ligue 1 top-scorer charts with 14 objectives this season, scorching on the heels of PSG celebrity Kylian Mbappe.

However because it stands, the Dutchman be obtainable on a free switch this summer time on the expiry of his contract with Lyon.

Memphis has finished a exceptional job of rekindling his confidence and kind in recent times after a difficult 18-month spell at Manchester United.

He arrived at Outdated Trafford in 2015 with an enormous weight of expectation having been topped France Soccer’s Greatest Younger Participant that 12 months.

Seven objectives in 53 appearances later, Memphis was ushered out the door to affix Lyon in a deal price an preliminary £16million – £9million lower than United had paid PSV for his providers.

Since becoming a member of the French membership, the 27-year-old has picked up 69 objectives and 50 assists in 165 appearances and was named membership captain in 2019.

His revived kind has attracted the eye of golf equipment throughout Europe and Barcelona had been on the verge of bringing Memphis to Camp Nou on deadline day in October, although the last-gasp deal was by no means struck.

Memphis re-committed himself to Lyon and has loved one other stellar season in assault, however hypothesis surrounding his future will solely develop between now and his contract’s expiry on the finish of June.

With that in thoughts, Mirror Soccer examines 5 choices open to Memphis this summer time.

Return to Manchester United

It did not work out nicely the primary time, however there’s each probability Memphis may show a hit at Manchester United if he was given a second probability.

With present No.9 Anthony Martial enduring a sub-par season and Edinson Cavani now 34 years outdated, signing a ahead this summer time could also be excessive on Ed Woodward’s priorities.

United needed to fend off heavy curiosity from Paris Saint-Germain to signal Memphis in 2015 and should not fancy one other battle for the Dutchman’s providers.

However, crucially, they might step to the entrance of the queue of suitors due to a buy-back clause included when he was offered to Lyon.

The French membership’s sporting director, Juninho, confirmed its existence in 2019, saying: “It’s true that Manchester United have a precedence to purchase again Memphis.”

This may undoubtedly ease the method of bringing Memphis again to Outdated Trafford.

Re-forge Dutch connection at Barcelona

Many anticipate Memphis will merely be part of Barcelona this summer time having nearly sealed the switch final October.

Juninho confirmed the participant had agreed phrases with the Catalans on deadline day, saying: “He has reached an settlement with Barcelona, we do not disguise that in any respect.”

However the transfer was by no means accomplished, with Memphis later claiming it was “fairly shut” however “there have been sure guidelines that prevented it sadly”.

It appears possible Barcelona had been unable to stump up the money to prise Memphis from Lyon, although that won’t be an issue with the participant obtainable without spending a dime this summer time.

Though the La Liga giants are in a bad way, they continue to be an enormous identify and a beautiful prospect for any participant.

That is very true for Memphis, as a transfer to Barca would see him hyperlink up together with his former Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, who’s now within the Camp Nou scorching seat.

With Lionel Messi out of contract this summer time, Barcelona might be out there for a brand new ahead and Memphis is an inexpensive goal for the cash-strapped membership.

A sensational Liverpool transfer

If Memphis has dangerous recollections of Manchester United however needs to return to the Premier League, Liverpool could possibly be his finest guess.

And Spanish outlet Fichajes claims Liverpool will purpose to beat Barcelona to signing the previous PSV man this summer time.

There was rising clamour for the Reds to signal a brand new striker this summer time, as Roberto Firmino’s tally of six objectives in 35 appearances this season has raised severe questions of his skill to guide the road.

Amongst these calling for a brand new No.9 at Anfield is club legend Jamie Carragher, who said : “Liverpool positively must convey a goalscorer in.

“I do not know precisely what place for, whether or not that is a centre-forward or a midfielder. In the intervening time they’re massively reliant on (Mohamed) Salah and (Sadio) Mane, no person else appears to be like like they’ll rating.”

Memphis will surely brighten up Liverpool’s assault and can be a welcome addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad, as he is ready to function up entrance, on the left wing and in attacking midfield.

A transfer to the Merseyside membership would additionally see Memphis be part of forces together with his Netherlands teammates Virgil van Dijk and Georginio Wijnaldum – assuming the latter extends his contract.

Pen a brand new Lyon deal

In fact, Memphis may choose to increase his keep at Parc Olympique Lyonnais.

He’s much-loved by Lyon followers, is posting high-quality objective and help numbers and serves because the membership’s captain.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has not given up hope Memphis will signal an extension and just lately stated: “Till the top we consider that he’ll renew for subsequent season.

“Proper now it isn’t one thing that’s attainable however why not? He is a good expertise, world class.

“There usually are not many like him within the group. He brings options. I all the time needed him to stay however our affords didn’t persuade him.

“We helped him go to FC Barcelona however financially it was not attainable.”

Whether or not Lyon can win any silverware this season could show important to Memphis’ determination over his future.

He’s but to win a trophy since becoming a member of the membership in 2017 however this season they’ve an actual probability; Lyon sit second in Ligue 1, narrowly forward of PSG and three factors behind leaders Lille.

As he enters his prime Memphis’ ideas could flip to titles and Lyon – who fell quick in final season’s Champions League semi-finals – might want to present their captain they’re able to profitable them.

Lyon don’t have any European distractions to cope with this season and can hope a Ligue 1 title may persuade Memphis to remain.

Ought to Memphis Depay keep at Lyon or seek for a brand new problem this summer time? Have your say in the comments.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s inheritor at Juventus

Memphis has additionally been linked with a transfer to Juventus because the Italian giants look to bolster their assault this summer time.

A look on the Serie A desk reveals Juve usually are not the dominant pressure they’ve been for the final decade and the Scudetto seems prone to be claimed by both Inter Milan or AC Milan.

Bianconeri boss Andrea Pirlo will likely be desparate to shut the hole subsequent season and can possible want new firepower.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata are Juve’s high scorers this season, with the latter on mortgage from Atletico Madrid with an choice to purchase.

Ronaldo, in the meantime, may have one 12 months left on his deal come this summer time and the Turin membership could determine to money in on the Portugal celebrity moderately than lose him without spending a dime subsequent summer time.

PSG are believed to be fascinated with bringing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to Parc des Princes, which would go away a centre-forward gap for Juventus to plug.

With that in thoughts, Turkish outlet Fanatik claims Memphis is firmly on Juventus’ radar.

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