Barcelona planning new contract offer for Memphis Depay

Barcelona are reportedly considering making a new contract offer for 28-year-old forward Memphis Depay, whose current deal runs out in 2023.

According to SPORT, Barcelona are considering offering a contract extension to Netherlands international Memphis Depay amid uncertainties over their pursuit of a new forward in the summer.

Depay signed for Barcelona only last summer, arriving on a Bosman deal after his contract with Olympique Lyon ran out. The 28-year-old made a great start to life as a Blaugrana, quickly becoming a regular under then-manager Ronald Koeman. However, an injury towards the end of 2021 hampered his continuity.

By the time he returned to full fitness, Barcelona had acquired the services of Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adama Traore, which meant that Depay fell down the pecking order and has not featured regularly under current boss Xavi Hernandez. But the Dutchman has shown his quality more often than not whenever he has been given a chance.

The former Manchester United forward was a standout performer for Barça in their recent victory over RCD Mallorca. However, with the Catalan giants looking to sign a new striker, Depay’s future had been called into question as he would risk falling further down on the order of preference.

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But, as things stand, Barcelona’s pursuit of a new forward is not going great as Erling Haaland is likely headed for Manchester City while Bayern Munich are reluctant to sell Robert Lewandowski. If the Catalans fail to bring in a new forward, they will likely have to bank on their current options, which could lead to Depay staying at Camp Nou.

The 28-year-old, who has recently been linked with a shock return to Manchester United, admitted that he wishes to continue at Camp Nou for several years. And it seems like the feeling is being reciprocated by Barcelona, who are now ready to hand him a contract extension.

The report states that the club coaching staff has been impressed by Depay’s attitude and commitment. At the same time, with his current deal expiring next year, they wish to avoid the risk of losing him for nothing in 2023. As a result, a new contract offer for the Netherlands is being considered at the moment. It remains to be seen if they press ahead with the move even if Barcelona end up signing a new forward.