Manchester United winger, Memphis Depay, has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford recently. The Dutch winger has struggled to hold down a regular first team place under José Mourinho and could leave in January if a suitable offer comes in.
According to the Italian media, Roma are close to sealing a January loan deal for the former PSV star. The report also adds that Roma could make the switch permanent in the summer for a fee of £21m. Manchester United signed him for £25m and will be happy to recoup most of it, if the transfer happens.
Depay signed for Manchester United in the summer of 2015, but the talented young winger struggled to make an impact under then-manager, Louis van Gaal. It has been a similar story under José Mourinho, as well. The Dutch international has failed to impress the Portuguese tactician so far and is now considered an expendable asset at Old Trafford.
Depay is still only 22 years old and cannot afford to spend months on the bench anymore. At this stage of his career, he needs to play regularly in order to fulfil his world-class potential. There is no doubt that Depay is a phenomenal talent, and he showed that with PSV.
At Manchester United, perhaps the player is struggling to cope with the intensity of English football. Maybe it is a simple case of lost confidence. Whatever the issue, it is evident that Depay needs a move in order to get his career back on track.
Roma are in need of a winger, following an injury to Mohamed Salah, and the Manchester United winger will get plenty of game time in Italy. Furthermore, the slower pace of the league could benefit him, as well. United will be able to get a fringe player off their books.
It will be interesting to see if the deal happens next month, but there is no doubt that the move would make a lot of sense for all parties involved.
In other news, Manchester United have opened talks with Benfica regarding Victor Lindelof.
The Old Trafford outfit are looking to sign a defender in January, and Daily Record are reporting that Mourinho has convinced Ed Woodward to fund a big money move for the Swedish centre-back.
Lindelof is valued at €60m by the Portuguese outfit, and it will be interesting to see if Manchester United can negotiate a lower fee for the player. Recently, Ibrahimović stated in an interview that Lindelof is a very talented young player and is ready to play for big clubs.
The report adds that Benfica rejected a €35m offer from an unknown club for the player in the summer and will look to charge a premium for the player in January. Record also claims that Woodward has already approved Mourinho’s request of a funding, and United will have a significant budget available in January.
The 22-year-old is extremely mature for his age, and could be a fantastic long-term partner for Eric Bailly at the heart of United’s defence.
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