Memphis wants to stay at Barcelona after impressive Mallorca display
The forward is likely to leave in the summer but is fighting for his Camp Nou future
Memphis Depay is one of the players Barcelona could make money on this summer. The club want to strengthen the squad. Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen deals are closed. Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso, Grimaldo and Lewandowski are among the other names linked.
In principle, another three of four signings are wanted. But for that to happen, there have to be sales first. The club's financial situation -- and the size of the squad -- mean that is essential. And as SPORT have revealed, Memphis is one of the players that could leave. But away from the noise, the Dutch forward was brilliant against Mallorca on Sunday, scoring in Barça's 2-1 win.
Relegated to a secondary role since the signings of Ferran and Aubameyang, Memphis joined them -- and arguably outshone them -- in attack this weekend. Hyper-motivated and desperate to take advantage of the chance handed to him by Xavi, the former Lyon man posed Barça's biggest threat.
Beyond his great goal, which opened the scoring in the 25th minute, he ran at the visiting defence, completing 5/5 dribbles and having three shots.
It was a performance that opens the debate about his future next season. It's a given that Luuk de Jong will return to Sevilla. Ferran and Auba will still be around. It's uncertain what will happen with Dembele. Adama Traore is unlikely to stay. If Lewandowski does sign, it's complicated for Memphis today, especially with Ansu Fati also back from injury.
"There is no need to talk about the future, now is about the present," Xavi said Sunday. "Memphis has played because he trains well, he has had a fantastic week. I want players with his attitude, that desire to make a difference. Sometimes I have been unfair to him (in minute allocation). If he plays like that, he has to play."
Meanwhile, Memphis also put some pressure on the club after the game to keep him: "I came here looking forward to playing for the team. I want to be important in the team next year and for several years more."
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