West Ham United and Newcastle United are reportedly keen on signing Memphis Depay, valued at around €50 million by Barcelona.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Memphis Depay is the subject of interest from West Ham United over a possible move in a future transfer window. The Hammers will need to shell out €50 million to prise the Dutch international away from Barcelona.
Memphis Depay joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summer following the expiration of his contract with Lyon. The 27-year-old made a strong start to life as a Barcelona player, scoring crucial goals in the early running of the season. However, his form has waned considerably in the last couple of months.
The Dutch international has amassed eight goals and two assists in 21 appearances across all competitions. However, with Barcelona looking to make significant investments to bolster their attack, there is a sense that Depay could soon fall down the pecking order. Such a situation has captured the attention of several clubs in Europe, including West Ham United.
The interest from West Ham might be surprising, but it is understandable. That is because David Moyes does not have a viable alternative to Michail Antonio, which could be detrimental to his side’s fortunes in the second half of the season when the fixtures will pile up significantly.
Depay is not a natural striker like some of West Ham’s other targets like Arthur Cabral. However, he can spearhead a team’s attack, having done so several times for the Dutch national side and Lyon. In addition, the Barcelona forward could reinforce the Hammers’ offensive unit even if he primarily plays out wide.
With Andriy Yarmolenko facing an uncertain future at the London Stadium amid links with Genoa, Depay could arrive at the club as a major upgrade on the Ukrainian international. However, Depay will not come cheap, with Barcelona set to demand €50 million to part with the Dutch forward.
Meanwhile, besides the east London giants, Depay is also a target for Newcastle United. And according to the report, while Barcelona will be open to cashing in on Depay, the 27-year-old is also ready to call it quits at Camp Nou. However, it remains to be seen if West Ham or Newcastle will be prepared to pay €50 million to sign Depay.
