After Morgan Schneiderlin, the next player departing from Old Trafford seems like Memphis Depay. The Dutch international hasn’t had much playing time in the Premier League since returning from injury and now with Jose Mourinho finally finding a more or less settled eleven after enduring a lot of criticism, he is unlikely to experiment with the squad.
And it means fewer chances for Depay as the season progresses. Although Mourinho has stated that the talented winger would get a chance to impress in the second half of the season if he remains at United beyond January, Depay won’t be willing to take that chance.
Sensing a departure in January, Manchester United have labelled a price tag of £18million on Memphis Depay and many clubs have already been alerted by the development on this front. Depay’s talent is unquestionable and although he has looked out of pace since joining United, many believe it is a matter of time before he starts weaving his magic.
In the whole of last season, Depay scored seven goals in 45 appearances, before he got injured. Although Mourinho is quite positive about the player staying, a move is likely to be on the cards, whether temporary or permanent.
Here are 3 clubs Depay might make a move to this month.
Lyon- The once French giants have already had a £13million bid rejected by United earlier. The Red Devils had bought the Dutch dazzler from PSV for a fee of around £25m in 2015 and United would definitely want to get the maximum of it, if not all. With rivals Nice also lining up a bid for the winger, Lyon will have to make a move for him and fast.
After the departure of stars like Benzema, Toulalan, Lisandro Lopez and others, the club relies more on academy products. And Depay could flourish best in such a club rather than amidst a team full of stars.
Everton- Why stop at Morgan Schneiderlin? And Manchester United have made it clear with the French midfielder’s deal that they don’t mind disposing of players to competitors in their domestic league. Hence, a move for Depay is more than just probable. The other big factor for Depay’s move to Merseyside would be their manager Ronald Koeman.
Koeman shares a good bond with Depay and has earlier expressed his desire to coach the player. He might be able to bring the best out of him.
West Ham United- Well, Dimitri Payet is more or less going and Slaven Bilic cannot just sit lamenting. He has to move on and what better way than to get in a player who could be equally good on the wings. The Hammers have the money to get Depay and they are unlikely to get a better option midseason.
We expect them to land Depay for a fee around 20 million pounds and Bilic will be more than happy to have someone like him to start alongside Antonio, Carroll and Lanzini up front.
