Tottenham Hotspur’s six summer signings so far have dramatically improved their squad and added to the number of options at Antonio Conte’s disposal, but the Italian is still after at least one more addition ahead of the new season.
Barcelona ’s Memphis Depay is one of the players linked with a move to north London, with the Netherlands forward available this summer after becoming surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou after just one season at the club. But following transfer talks with the Catalan club and the player himself, Depay has reportedly told the north London outfit that he does not wish to join them this summer as he holds out for better options.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Depay has told Spurs he is not currently keen on a move despite the Lilywhites reportedly being the club that is working the hardest to acquire the services of the 28-year-old.
The report states that, while Spurs were finalising a season-long loan deal with Xavi’s side for centre back Clement Lenglet, they also made a call to Depay around the same time, with Barcelona willing to sell their forward star for a cut-price fee of around £20 million.
Spurs spoke with Depay’s camp, but the Dutchman is said to have received the interest ‘coldly’ before subsequently telling Spurs that he does not want to move to north London, although he has not completely closed the door in case there are no better offers elsewhere.
It is hardly ideal for Spurs to be viewed as a ‘safety’ option by Depay should bigger clubs not come calling and things not work out the way he would like, but at the end of the day, business is business and an opportunity to sign the 28-year-old should not be passed up.
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Spurs have already signed Richarlison from Everton this summer to boost their options in attack, which already boasts the formidable trio of Dejan Kulusevski, Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, while Lucas Moura and Ivan Perisic are respectable options from the bench.
But Depay would bring that added flair and attacking prowess that they will desperately need should one of their front three become injured, as well as the need for suitable squad depth as Spurs prepare to compete in the UEFA Champions League as well as domestic cups.
After an uninspiring 18-month spell with Manchester United, Depay reinvented himself in Ligue 1 with Lyon in 2016, where he registered 76 goals and 55 assists in 178 games in all competitions, before signing for Barcelona last summer on a two-year-deal.
Although 13 goals and two assists in 37 games across all competitions in his first season in Catalonia isn’t bad by any means, Depay had been pushed down the pecking order in Xavi’s side following the arrivals of Ferran Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January, before Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski were added to the ranks this summer.
The talent is certainly still there though, and the 28-year-old will be wanting regular first team football as the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar approaches. However, Spurs face competition from north London rivals Arsenal, while Erik ten Hag is also considering a sensational return to Old Trafford for his countryman.
