Barcelona to open Memphis contract talks
Robin Bairner
- 27 Sept 2021 19:56 BST
- 3 min read
Memphis Depay may only have been a Barcelona player for less than three months, but the Camp Nou side are already set to offer the Netherlands star a new contract.
Memphis was one of just a handful of players signed by Barca this summer as they wrestled with financial problems.
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He was, however, a long-time target of the Camp Nou side. Had they been able to create room for him in their squad, he would have joined the club from Lyon in 2020.
In the event, they were able to snap the former Manchester United man up on a free transfer as his contract with the Ligue 1 side expired.
Memphis at Barca
| Games | 7 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
Memphis has made an impressive start to life in Barcelona. In seven matches, he has scored three goals and created another. It has been a difficult beginning to the season for Ronald Koeman’s side, but he has been a shining light, both in terms of his output and the style that he plays with.
Mundo Deportivo reports that the Catalans are ready to hand him a contract extension.
Why Barcelona are in contract talks already
When Memphis joined Barcelona, they offered him only a two-year deal. This might have been out of fear that he might not have the mentality to play on such a big stage – he was regarded as a flop during a previous spell with Manchester United – or it may have been that the club were concerned over a serious injury he sustained around two years ago playing for Lyon.
Given the club’s finances, they could not afford him to flop.
The signs are that he will be a roaring success at Barcelona, and they are doubtless aware that he is shaping up to be an indispensable player.
With clubs elsewhere in a more powerful position financially, and potentially better placed to offer Memphis titles in the years ahead, Barca are right to be fearful over what he may choose to do next summer if he enjoyed a 25- or 30-goal campaign.
Under no obligation to sign a new deal next summer, he could plausibly eye better offers from elsewhere and depart for nothing in 2023. In this case, Barca may also be forced to sell him for below his value to the team.
Memphis has become so important so quickly to Barcelona, it is essential they secure his long-term future as soon as possible, and that means getting him to agree a new contract.
