Memphis Depay set to swap Barcelona for Italy in the summer
The forward started the season well but several factors have worked against him
Memphis Depay's brief spell at Barcelona could end in the summer. The Dutchman, currently injured, has seen his role shrink in recent months due to fitness issues, Xavi's appointment and attacking signings.
Ronald Koeman's departure has harmed, as have the signings of Ferran Torres, Adama and Aubameyang. His next destination could be Italy, where various clubs have sounded out a signing in the case he can leave for cheap.
Memphis was the star of preseason under Koeman but his fast start to the campaign diminished in terms of his contribution to the team at key moments.
Under Xavi, due to injury problems, he was a regular at first, scoring a key goal at Villarreal and a penalty in the win over Espanyol, but a hamstring problem has since held him back.
During January, there was a rumour of a possible exit, but Memphis is happy in Barcelona, living in Sitges, and wants to show he can succeed at the club. He is going to try and turn his situation around, but will happily leave if he cannot.
And he would hope to leave for free, too, as Barça did not pay a penny for him and he rejected other bigger offers to come to the club on a lower salary than he could have for elsewhere. That's why he only signed a two-year deal -- he would no understand it if the club blocked an exit or tried to hold out for more money.
In France, there are also reports of a return to Lyon, but the reality is Italy is a more likely move for him. Milan, Inter and Juventus have all made contact. The decision will be made in the summer and based on what happens between now and then, but everything suggests he will leave.
