Memphis Depay has shed light on where he feels he "belongs" amid a flurry of Premier League interest as Barcelona explore the idea of cashing in on the 28-year-old.
The Dutchman only touched down at the Camp Nou last year, but due to the Catalan giant's perilous financial position, they could be left with little choice but to cash in on the forward to fund transfers for more pressing positions.
As things stand, Tottenham are the English side harbouring the most interest in securing Depay's signature, but there are plenty of signs that would suggest a return to Manchester United cannot be ruled out at this stage.
Speaking to told Voetbal Primeur three years ago, Depay admitted that he would be open to a return to the English top-flight, where he implied he belongs. "It's a very nice competition," he explained. "I belong in a team that plays good football and can play around me so that I can do my thing. I will never rule it out."
Depay first arrived at Old Trafford seven years after being lured away from PSV Eindhoven for a fee of £25million by then-Red Devils boss and fellow countryman Louis van Gaal. However, he failed to showcase the kind of talent that made him so lethal in the Eredivisie and was sold by United to Lyon after just two years.
By the time United parted ways with Depay it was Jose Mourinho in charge. He gave the green light for the forward to flee to France, but not before inserting a buy-back clause into Depay's Lyon contract due to the amount of potential the Portuguese coach clearly thought the forward possessed.
In true recent United style, it proved to be a wasted decision as the club opted against triggering the clause when he was lighting up Ligue 1. Even when it became clear he would leave Lyon, the Red Devils ignored the clause they inserted into the deal.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Where should Depay move to if Barcelona cash in? Comment below
By the time Depay had agreed to his next move with Barcelona, United had run out of time to put the clause to good use and it had become null and void following his Lyon departure. However, the chance to right that wrong could soon be upon us.
With a Camp Nou exit looming large over Depay, speculation has begun over his next move. While Spurs are keen on bolstering their forward line with the Dutchman, United may have the edge should they enter the race for a number of reasons.
The first being it is entirely realistic that Depay views a reunion with United as a chance to prove he can cut it at arguably the biggest club in England. His previous stint left plenty to be desired, but he would return a far more experienced, well-rounded player.
Premier League legend Robert Pires told Bwin back in 2019 how he felt Depay still had "unfinished business" with United. Speaking as the forward neared the end of his time with Lyon, Pires claimed: "I think Depay wants to come back to the Premier League and he feels he has unfinished business in England.
"It didn't work out for him at Manchester United and Depay is a very proud player. He perhaps feels he wasn't given a chance to perform and earn the right to stay longer considering he was so young and showed glimpses of undoubted potential.
Pires did keep his cards close to his chest over which English side Depay could join, however, when he said: "Depay might want to return to Manchester United or he might be motivated to prove them wrong by performing for one of their rivals in the Premier League."
There of course is the more obvious tie with new United boss Ten Hag also being a fellow Dutchman. Since arriving at the helm of United, the 52-year-old has seemingly prioritised Dutch internationals or at least those with some form of Eredivisie experience.
Depay ticks both of those boxes and would undeniably improve United's current attacking options. The desire for his signature may only grow from an Old Trafford perspective if Cristiano Ronaldo's club future remains up in the air.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has made clear his desire to leave the club this transfer window and if his wish is granted United will certainly be on the prowl for at least two attacking additions this summer.
