Memphis Depay has switched from Barcelona to Atletico Madrid in a deal worth about $3.2 million. Despite the relatively low fee, Barca will still make a profit on selling the forward. Depay previously arrived to the Camp Nou on a free transfer in the summer of 2021.
The Netherlands international began his time at Barca with a bang. Depay managed to score eight goals in his first 14 LaLiga matches. However, injuries hindered his time on the pitch during the last year or so. In fact, the forward missed 29 total matches for Barca over the last 13 months.
Playing time a problem for Depay
Depay also fell down the pecking order at Barca as well. While being named in the team’s squad eight times during league play this season, the forward managed just two appearances. The Dutchman’s contract was also set to expire at Barca at the end of the current campaign.
Atleti will hope that he can remain healthy and soon make just his third league appearance of the season. Diego Simeone’s club needed reinforcements since they allowed Joao Felix to join Chelsea on a five-month loan. The Portugal international did, however, sign a new contract with Atleti before departing for west London.
Man United rejected chance to re-sign Depay
Manchester United were also linked with Depay during the January transfer period. The Express reports that the Red Devils apparently balked at the Dutchman’s contract demands. United supposedly wanted to offer Depay short-term deal, but the forward wanted more assurance with his future. He has now signed a two-and-a-half year contract with Atleti.
Along with selling Depay to one of their biggest rivals in Spain, Barca also has an option in place to sign an Atleti player as well. The Depay deal includes the possibility for Barca to sign Yannick Carrasco in the future. The Spanish giants released a statement saying that they have a “preferential but not compulsory purchase option” on signing the Belgian winger.
Photo: Imago
