Man Utd now 'thinking' about signing €200k-a-week star from Euro giants - report
Manchester United are thinking about signing Barcelona forward Memphis Depay during the January transfer window, according to Sport (today’s edition, page 17).
The Red Devils recently parted ways with Cristiano Ronaldo by mutual consent and they are now likely to pursue a new striker next month, as confirmed by manager Erik ten Hag.
The likes of Cody Gakpo and Goncalo Ramos have been linked with big-money moves to Old Trafford, but there has also been regular speculation involving Depay.
Depay’s current deal at Barcelona expires at the end of the season and Sport claim that the Red Devils are ‘thinking’ about the prospect of re-signing him in the New Year.
However, a move may not be straightforward. Barcelona want an economic benefit from Depay’s exit as they can’t register any new players in January amid spending restrictions.
The Catalan giants were prepared to release Depay on a free transfer last summer, but the situation has now changed. The club need to recoup funds to make new purchases.
United could prioritise signing of a young marquee forward
Ten Hag has publicly confirmed that the club are looking for a new striker in January. It has also been reported that the board don’t want to pursue a stop-gap option.
Hence, the Red Devils could focus on landing their priority targets first. PSV Eindhoven’s Gakpo is currently Erik ten Hag’s preferred option for the winter transfer window.
The Netherlands international will cost around €75 million next month and it remains to be seen whether the hierarchy are prepared to back the manager with such a huge outlay.
In our view, the club should give their full support to the manager on Gakpo, who has been a revelation this term with 30 goal contributions from just 24 appearances for PSV.
Depay would be a good signing as well but at nearly 29, he would not represent the long-term vision of the club. Barcelona may want €5m but the forward’s wages are on the higher side.
He is already on €200,000-a-week at Camp Nou and may want a pay rise at Old Trafford. In our opinion, he should only be considered as a last resort to bolster United’s attack.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and Capology.com
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