Dutch winger Memphis Depay looks set to move from Manchester United to Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyon this January, and the Red Devils seem to have inserted two important clauses into the deal.
James Ducker of the Telegraph has given a quite revealing update on the Depay to Lyon deal. The renowned football journalist claims that Lyon will pay an initial £16 million, which will rise to £21.7 million upon the completion of additional conditions.
More interestingly, Manchester United have also secured a buy-back option as well as a sell-on clause with Lyon for the Dutchman. This would represent a very sweet deal for the Red Devils, who seem to be calling the shots on the transfer.
#MUFC have agreed a buyback option on Depay as well as a sell on clause with Lyon, who will pay about £16m rising to £21.7m with add ons
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) January 18, 2017
Manchester United paid Eriedivisie side PSV a reported £25 million for his services in the summer of 2015. The Dutchman finished his PSV stint as the top scorer in the Dutch league, but has failed to match up to that potential at Old Trafford.
Depay scored just two goals in 29 Premier League appearances in his debut season, and ended the season with just seven goals in 45 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils.
Things have grown even worse under new manager Jose Mourinho, with Depay banished to the bench. The 22-year-old is yet to start a Premier League game for United and has only the one start in the League Cup against Northampton.
The Dutchman was definitely one of the players on the chopping board for Manchester United this winter. Everton were earlier linked with a move for Depay, with his compatriot and Toffees manager Ronald Koeman publicly expressing his admiration for the player.
However, Lyon have been the most persistent suitors, and look poised to snap up the still highly rated winger. By putting in the additional clauses though, Manchester United have ensured that the sale will not come back to haunt them.
If Depay succeeds at Lyon and United want him back, they have the buy-back option. If he does well but United don’t want him, they will still get paid from his sale to another club. If unfortunately Depay continues to underperform, then the Red Devils will have recouped most of the money they spent on him in the first place.
