Transfer News: Chelsea are interested in Barcelona forward Memphis Depay
Chelsea are said to be interested in signing Barcelona forward Memphis Depay this summer, according to the Daily Mail. The striker is far from a first-choice under Xavi and now could be on his way out.
Depay earlier played in the Premier League before for Manchester United. His spell at Old Trafford was one to forget as he had a miserable time there and was eventually sold to French side Olympique Lyonnais. But now it seems that a move back to England is on the cards for the Dutchman, with a move to London potentially on the cards.
The 28-year-old Dutchman joined Barcelona on a free transfer last season. Despite getting off to a fantastic start, injuries and a change of coach at the Blaugrana club pushed Depay down the pecking order and he struggled to get minutes in the second half of last season. Despite this, he finished the season as Barcelona’s joint top-scorer in 2021/22, scoring 12 goals in 27 appearances, as the club finished second behind arch-rivals Real Madrid on the table.
Now it seems, he could be headed out. Thomas Tuchel is in dire need to fix his attacking as well as defensive woes. He has seen club-record signing Romelu Lukaku depart on loan to Inter Milan following his miserable form last season. This leaves Timo Werner and Armando Broja as the options for Tuchel in the striking department, with both the players not being a preferred choice for the German tactician.
If the Blues sign Depay, he could help solve the problem up front. A versatile forward, he can play in any position up front. Such versatility would benefit Tuchel who likes to rotate his forwards in different positions. Apart from this, the 28-year-old is also a very good playmaker, having played as a false nine and attacking midfield on many occasions in the past.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are said to have completed the signing of Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling. His arrival, coupled with Depay’s potential arrival too could help the club fix their lack of goal threat. The Blues were inconsistent in front of the goal last season, but it looks less likely to happen again next season.
Meanwhile, if Depay returns back to the Premier League, he will have a point to prove. Having been criticised constantly during his time at United would have left a scar on the player, who would be very willing to prove his haters wrong. Joining Chelsea would offer him a chance at redemption, while he could help the Blues bag some goals to their tally.
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- Transfer News: Barcelona move for Cesar Azpilicueta not imminent
What happens remains to be seen. Tuchel needs to sign a few more attackers and he will be aware of that. Whether Depay will be one of them is something that remains to be seen.