It’s no secret that Manchester United’s transfer priorities for the January transfer window have changed and manager Erik ten Hag also revealed this publicly.
After the acrimonious departure of top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo last season, United lack firepower up front and the Dutchman has asked the club to look into the issue of signing a goalscorer.
But the club’s finances are stretched at the moment after their summer splurge as reports have indicated the club might not be able to bring in a striker.
Striker search complicated due to lack of funds
The World Cup has ensured that all of United’s top targets, such as Cody Gakpo, Goncalo Ramos, Rafael Leao and Joao Félix, have seen their ratings skyrocket.
And that could leave Barcelona star Memphis Depay as the only option on the table for the Red Devils. But even for him, the La Liga giants expect to receive a transfer fee.
In the summer they had agreed to terminate his contract by mutual agreement but now, after his performances with the Netherlands, they have decided not to let him leave for free.
???? Barcelona are asking clubs to pay ONLY €2 million for Memphis Depay this winter, but NO team wants to spend this amount on him! ????
(Source: @sport) pic.twitter.com/lP8GpyCvHo
— News Stream Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 16, 2022
According to SPORT, “Memphis Depay will return to training in Barcelona next week. The Dutch striker, who has been to the World Cup in Qatar with his country, will meet with Xavi Hernández to talk about his situation and his future ahead of the January window.
And while United are interested in Depay, considering his contract expires next summer, there is a reluctance to pay for a move considering the Catalan giants’ earlier stance.
The publication has also revealed that, so far, only one club has been willing to pay for the services of the former Lyon striker.
Depay’s move not sure yet
“However, so far only one club has shown a willingness to pay a transfer fee. He comes from the Turkish winger Galatasaray, who is very interested in taking over the services of the former Lyon and Manchester United striker”.
Recently, it was reported that the club is ready to abandon its policy of signing experienced stars for a short-term solution. That’s exactly what the 28-year-old is.
Interestingly, so far Depay has no interest in moving to Turkey. So it remains to be seen how this saga plays out with January almost here.
