Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - September 17, 2022. FC Barcelona's Memphis Depay celebrates scoring.
Newcastle United are plotting a January move to sign Barcelona striker Memphis Depay, according to reports in the last 48 hours.
The Lowdown: Previous interest
The Dutchman’s contract at Camp Nou is set to expire at the end of the season, making him a free agent for any potential suitors interested, but it now appears that there’s a chance that a switch could be completed prior.
The Magpies were linked with a swoop for the 28-year-old over the summer, and even though a deal failed to materialise, Eddie Howe is still keen to bring his target to the Premier League.
The Latest: Newcastle eyeing Depay
According to Spanish outlet Sport (via Sport Witness), Newcastle could be ‘given their chance’ to sign Depay in the New Year, with Barcelona set to ‘take advantage’ of the World Cup to revalue their forward.
Whilst PIF’s target would ‘prefer’ to see out his deal, it’s stated that the ‘needs’ of the northeast outfit, alongside the ‘desire’ of the La Liga side, could ‘converge’ so that a move can be completed in January rather than 2023.
The St. James’ Park squad are said to have the ‘financial muscle’ to close the transfer, which stands them in good stead to sign the talent in return ‘for a fortune’.
The Verdict: Isak alternative
Newcastle only recently secured the services of Alexander Isak up top, but Depay would provide excellent competition for the Swede should he decide to put pen to paper.
The ‘outrageous’ attacker, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has made a remarkable 256 goal contributions in 418 appearances throughout his youth and senior career (Transfermarkt), and has eight trophies to his name.
Landing Depay on a free next summer would be a great piece of business, though splashing the cash in January may be required if they don’t want to risk losing him to a fellow competitor.
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