Memphis Depay agrees deal with Juventus as Barcelona exit edges closer

Memphis Depay’s time as a Barcelona player looks to be coming to an end with Juventus in pole position to snap up the Dutch winger. 

According to 90Min, Depay has already agreed personal terms on a contract with the Serie A giants and a move to Turin is now edging ever closer. 

The 28-year-old joined Barcelona as a free transfer after leaving Lyon last summer. However, since the arrival of Xavi as manager, Depay found his game time limited due to the arrival of Ferran Torres and Adama Traore in January. 

This summer, it was reported that Xavi personally told Depay that he is no longer part of the future plans at the Catalan club, paving the way for the Dutch winger to search for a new club. 

90Min reported that the move will be finalised when Barcelona and the player mutually agree to terminate his current contract, allowing Depay to move to Juventus as a free agent.

During his time at the Camp Nou, Depay made a total of 38 appearances and scored 13 goals. Moving to Juventus will see him join an attack that features the likes of Angel di Maria and Dusan Vlahovic, he is also set to reunite with former team mate, Paul Pogba. 

Barcelona have been busy splashing the cash on new players so far this summer. 

They have completed the signings of Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Joules Kounde amid their well documented financial troubles. 

Xavi is now focused on shifting unwanted players in order to balance the books. 

Apart from Depay, other high profile players have also been linked with a move away from Catalonia. 

Striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang joined the club in January but is now linked with a move back to the Premier League, with Chelsea and Manchester United believed to be interested in the former Arsenal captain. Reports have indicated that Aubameyang prefers a move to Stamford Bridge ahead of Old Trafford. 

Chelsea very confident the £22m bid for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be accepted. Personal terms with Auba are to be spoken about in the coming hours. #CFC

— Bobby Vincent (@BobbyVincentFL) August 18, 2022

Barcelona have been trying to offload midfielder Frenkie de Jong for the entirety of the transfer window but have so far failed. 

A fee was agreed with United last month, however, De Jong has shown no indications that he wants to leave the Camp Nou. 

New United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly desperate for De Jong to join him at Old Trafford as he sees the 25-year-old as an integral part of his plans for the future. 

However, with time fast running out, United may be forced to look elsewhere in order to bolster their midfield options.