“Memphis must make a transfer in January” – that was the Dutchman’s national team manager and teammate Daley Blind’s father Danny Blind commenting on Depay’s situation at Manchester United. Jose Mourinho’s clearly gotten the message – stating Memphis fell out of his plans with the player’s intention to move in January and now that he currently doesn’t consider the winger an option for the team – but is insistent that United will only allow the former PSV Eindhoven man to leave on a permanent transfer.
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Given that his predecessor Louis van Gaal paid a significant £25m to sign Memphis in 2015 – United will be looking to recoup as much of it as they can – it remains to be seen whether Mourinho changes his mind as the transfer deadline approaches. French club Nice have already pulled out of the race citing the price beyond their reach, and with the player nearly frozen out now it is likely a loan move might be sanctioned – if only to potentially increase his value for the summer transfer window.
Here we round up the five likely destinations if Memphis is indeed to leave.
#5 Middlesbrough
Manager Aitor Karanka who has been quick to bring in striker Rudy Gestede from Aston Villa this transfer window has stated that the club is looking to make more additions – especially in attack and on the wings. Quite understandably so, given they are joint lowest scorers in the Premier League – along with bottom of the table Hull City.
There’s no doubt then that Karanka would leap at the chance to bring in someone of the quality of Depay whose 28 goals in the 2014-15 season earned PSV the Eredivisie title. Karanka recently said, “To buy players we need to sell. That is the market.”
So any potential move would depend on a few players making their way out of the Riverside stadium.
#4 AS Roma
The Italian side is currently sitting second in the Serie A and looking to end Juventus’ five-year grip on the title. They were suitors for the Dutchman’s signature back in 2014, and are rumoured to be still interested in adding him to their squad. While they could afford to match United’s asking fee, it is interesting to note that current wingers Mohamed Salah and Diego Perotti are the club’s second and third highest scorers in the league respectively.
A transfer then depends on whether they’re willing to spend such an amount in January for someone who’s not necessarily going to make the starting XI and whether the player himself is interested in another club offering him a part role.
#3 Newcastle United
Under Rafa Benitez’s leadership, the magpies are odds-on favourites to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking – just as they did in 2009-10 season – and are currently second in the Championship. With Yoan Gouffran said to be unsettled, Christian Atsu away on AFCON duties, and Matt Ritchie yet to hit his highs of his last spell at Championship level with Bournemouth, Newcastle will surely look to bolster their options on the wings and Benitez will be keeping a close eye on Memphis’ situation.
Mike Ashley is said to have made certain there’s money to spend in January – in addition to whatever’s left over from the summer sales – and Memphis would likely benefit by being away from the spotlight for a short while to find his rhythm.
#2 Fenerbahce
Last season’s Super Lig runners-up have an ageing squad and follow a rotational policy that sees the attacking options change week in and week out. With attacking options Jeremain Lens, Volkan Sen, Moussa Sow and Robin van Persie all on the cusp or the wrong side of 30, Fenerbahce are said to be extremely eager to bring in 22-year-old Depay into their squad.
While the player himself is said to prefer a move within England, the wildest of rumours have him saying he’d join the Turkish side “god willing” and we certainly wouldn’t rule it out from happening in January.
#1 Everton
When a national team’s coach himself discusses a specific club – or in this case manager Ronald Koeman’s – interest in his player, it is almost certain that there are concrete discussions underway. Even though Morgan Schneiderlin is said to be the Merseyside club’s primary target, they certainly would rue missing out on this bright talent that Koeman certainly can groom.
It is up to the Toffees then to stump up the cash necessary because Memphis is rumoured to certainly be interested in donning their blue – perhaps with a view to showing all his detractors he always had what it takes to cut it in the world’s most followed football league.
