Memphis Depay fails to turn up to Barcelona training

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:01 CDT
• 3 min read

Memphis Depay failed to turn up to training on Wednesday in an attempt to force a transfer to Atletico Madrid.

According to numerous reliable sources, Depay failed to show up to Wednesday’s training session in a bid to force a transfer away from the club this month.

Depay is desperate to quit Barcelona this month having barely featured for the club over the past 18 months.

His contract expires at the end of the season and he feels he should be allowed to leave this month without much fuss.

For a full list of the best players whose contracts run out in the summer of 2023, click here.

Atletico Madrid have been in talks to sign Depay as a replacement for Joao Felix, who they loaned out to Chelsea until the end of the season.

However, Barcelona were reportedly dragging their feet and demanding a €7 million fee for his services, which Atletico were unwilling to pay.

As a result, it was reported Depay attempted to force the matter by reportedly refusing to train.

This may have done the trick as Fabrizio Romano reported later on Wednesday afternoon that Barcelona and Atletico had agreed on a €3m fee and that a transfer was imminent.

Depay a disappointment at Barcelona

Depay signed for Barcelona on a free transfer from Lyon in the summer of 2021, penning a two-year contract.

However, he has endured a miserable time at Camp Nou and has never nailed down a first-team place.

He was available for sale last summer and was in negotiations with Juventus. However, his excessive wage demands scuppered a move.

Depay is now even more desperate to leave as he has only started two matches this season and featured in 203 minutes of action. He has scored one goal.

The 28-year-old has also been linked with a move to Inter Milan in January.