Alvaro Morata has unofficially confirmed Barcelona striker Memphis Depay’s imminent move to Atletico Madrid. Depay was expected to leave the Catalans immediately this month, after finding himself away from Xavi’s plans. Moreover, with the signings of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and the comeback of academy prodigy Ansu Fati from long lay-off die to injury, has pushed Depay out of the picture at Camp Nou.
On the other hand, Atletico have just loaned out striker Joao Felix to Chelsea until the end of the season for an impressive €11m loan fee. Centre-forward Matheus Cunha has also been loaned out to Wolves for the remainder of the season, with a mandatory option to buy. As a result, Diego Simeone needed attacking reinforcements and Atletico are on to Depay who was made available by Barcelona.
‘Top player, welcome’ – Alvaro Morata confirms Memphis Depay to Atletico
Memphis Depay had only signed as a free agent for Barcelona back in the summer of 2021 from Lyon. However, he is now expected to earn them some money through his Atletico move, although as mere as €3m according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. But it is worth noting that the Netherlands international did help the struggling Catalan club last season by chipping-in with some important goals and assists.
Depay scored an impressive 13 goals in 38 appearances for Barca last season, helping them finish second in La Liga. He operated mostly as a left-winger, despite his natural position being a striker or playing behind a natural striker. However, both of the positions have been stacked now that Barcelona brought in Lewandowski in the summer and Fati making a comeback. Ousmane Dembele too has impressed playing on the left-wing this season.
As a result, Depay became surplus to Barca’s needs, inflating their already reeling wage as well. Xavi too had admitted that the 28-year-old doesn’t fit his system and has only handed him 4 games this season. The former Manchester United man had no option but to leave Camp Nou, than wait for his contract to expire in the summer and again move on as a free agent.
Atletico, short on options in attack came calling and Depay seems to have jumped the boat. He was recently spotted at airport leaving for Madrid to complete his move. Both the parties have been tight-lipped on the deal so far, with Xavi too stating in his recent presser that he will talk to the player on whether or not he wants to continue at the club. However, it was apparently a diplomatic statement with Alvaro Morata now confirming Depay to Atletico. The Spaniard was asked about Depay’s transfer after his side’s win over Levante, to which he replied:
While Alvaro Morata seems to have take up the announcement job, attention has turned towards how Simeone will do his job with Depay. The former Lyon forward naturally delivers his best by playing behind a natural striker, in this case Alvaro Morata. But Simeone will then have to sacrifice Antoine Griezmann, which has a less possibility. It will be interesting to see how this works out, given the Atletico manager’s infamous differences with a player of same profile, Joao Felix.