Barcelona has reportedly given Memphis Depay the option to leave the team during the upcoming January transfer window, according to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Barça Universal).
The Dutchman, who has recently lost favor with Xavi, is one of the few players who seems to have no chance of being included in his plans. In the hierarchy of players, he has indeed slipped behind players like Ansu Fati, Ousmane Dembele, and Raphinha.
His struggles with injuries continue as the attacker has only recently recovered from a knock in time for the FIFA World Cup, despite rumors within the Barça camp that the player had postponed his recovery in order to participate in the coveted tournament.
However, according to the Mundo Deportivo report, Depay turned down Barcelona’s letter of freedom in January. The striker appears to be aware that his deal at Camp Nou will end at the conclusion of the current campaign, making him a free agent.
Barcelona’s situation has been made worse by the fact that Depay’s suitors have had trouble pursuing the attacker.
The majority of the team believes the Dutchman’s salary is excessive, particularly this late in the season.
This is a significant setback for Barcelona, who saw Depay’s sale as crucial to their plan to further trim the squad and add fresh faces during the January transfer window.
The Catalans are still hopeful that the sale of Depay will be approved if the attacker performs well at the FIFA World Cup, so all is not lost.
Eight years prior, the former Manchester United starlet had achieved success in the same competition. As one of the captains of the Dutch offensive line, he will be aiming for a similar level of success.
