Having arguably had the best transfer window amongst the top-six Premier League sides hitherto, Tottenham Hotspur continues to be linked with players as Antonio Conte looks to remain adamant in strengthening his squad ahead of a demanding season. While the North London club have already landed six targets this summer, reports suggest that Spurs have stepped up their interest in Barcelona’s Memphis Depay, with the club said to have already launched a £13.5m bid last week.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona are said to have rejected the Premier League club’s initial approach, with the Blaugrana, reportedly, holding out for a sum of £17m (€20m) for the Dutchman, despite the player having only a year left on his current deal with the club. However, contradicting the report from Spain, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano was quick to dismiss the news of a bid, stating “…at the moment, I’m told there has been no bid from Tottenham,” to Givemesport, last weekend.
Regarded as surplus to requirements at Barcelona, Depay emerges amongst a crop of players been pushed out of the club this summer. Despite only joining the La Liga club last season, according to reports, Barcelona manager Xavi is said to have held a private conversation with the forward on their pre-season tour; having told him to find a new club or “sulk” on the bench for the upcoming season. Moreover, with Barcelona having significantly strengthened their forward line this summer, it remains to be seen if Depay remains at the club beyond the transfer window.
Proven Potential
Although having lost his starting spot towards the end of last season, Depay ended the campaign as Barcelona’s highest goal-scorer, netting 13 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions for the club. Boasting significant experience across various leagues alongside serving as a versatile figure across the attacking third, the 28-year-old Dutch international could only add to the quality of Spurs’ frontline moving into the season.
Whilst having roped in Richarlison from Everton to strengthen their forward options this season, Spurs could potentially move for Depay provided they sniff out a cut-price deal for the forward. Comfortable playing on either flank as well as upfront, Depay is likely to add quality in depth to the Tottenham squad. Further, with Conte preparing for a season demanding heavy rotation across all competition, the 28-year-old could receive adequate game-time, provided a move to Spurs materialises this summer.
Verdict
Although having failed to make his mark during his first stint in the Premier League, Depay has since had notable seasons across France and Spain whilst establishing himself a vital part of the national team squad in recent years. With Conte’s squad lacking quality in depth across the frontline and Richarlison expected to cover for two positions, Depay could emerge as a welcome addition to the squad for the new season.
Whilst a move to Spurs seems unlikely hitherto, Depay could potentially continue struggling to receive adequate game-time owing to the number of attacking options for Conte this season. Despite boasting the potential to emerge as a solid addition to Spurs’ squad, the Dutchman is likely to remain a backup option to the established frontline. However, provided Conte earmarks Depay as a valuable figure, Spurs could potentially move for the Dutch forward despite him being unlikely to emerge as a priority, hitherto.
