Manchester United consider move to re-sign former forward - Reports
Manchester United are considering a move to sign their former forward Memphis Depay from Barcelona, according to the Express.
The club are already locked in negotiations with Barcelona over a deal for Frenkie de Jong. They are said to have agreed on a fee for the midfielder but talks to complete the deal are still ongoing.
United had earlier signed Memphis Depay from PSV in 2015 after he scored 28 goals in the Eredivisie the season before. After just a year and a half in Manchester, the Dutch forward was sold to Olympique Lyon, where he enjoyed a prolific five-year spell. He joined Barcelona last summer on a free transfer after his contract with the Ligue 1 side expired.
Now 28, Memphis could potentially take over the Manchester United No. 7 jersey for a second time in his career. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to depart for a chance to play in the Champions League, which will leave the iconic kit number vacant.
Here's the fifth from @Memphis 😯 https://t.co/ZxJS8xMZUz
The Red Devils have already been given the green light to sign the Dutchman, who is expected to be available for as little as €20 million. Erik ten Hag is understood to be keen to add a striker even if Cristiano Ronaldo ends up staying at the club this summer.
Manchester United looking to add another attacker before the end of the window
There is little doubt that the Red Devils will need to add another attacker this summer. Mason Greenwood is most likely a permanent absence while Ronaldo seems intent on leaving after just one season at the club. The Portuguese scored 24 goals last season in 38 appearances across competitions but the team underwent a huge overall regression. United finished their trophyless season in sixth spot, with their lowest points total of the Premier League era.
Fans can be forgiven for worrying about their striking options despite the way the team has started the pre-season. Anthony Martial has scored thrice in three games and looks to be a different player under Ten Hag. However, the Frenchman scored only once during his loan spell at Sevilla and will need to perform consistently to earn the fans’ trust again.
Marcus Rashford also had a season to forget while Jadon Sancho was more of a victim of the situation last season. Both players have lost their England spots and need to turn their fortunes around in order to make the World Cup squad.
Tottenham Hotspur have officially taken the step to sign Barcelona’s Memphis Depay in the last few hours.
- @sport via SW https://t.co/3eQw6WjwiL
Depay has developed a huge reputation in the past few years and it appears to be the perfect time for the Dutchman to re-join Manchester United. In his first spell at the club, the forward could only manage seven goals and six assists in 53 games across competitions. If Depay does end up rejoining United, Ten Hag will hope for his second stint to be better.
Another player that United have been continuously linked with is Ajax forward Antony, for whom the Eredivisie side are asking around €70 million.