Fortune shift: Barcelona striker could end up staying if club cannot sign Lewandowski

Memphis Depay has had an up and down debut season since joining Barcelona in the summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old was signed on a Bosman deal in the summer when his contract expired with Olympique Lyon and made a blazing start to life in Catalonia. The Dutchman scored some important goals early in the campaign but has found game-time hard to come by of late.

Depay spent a significant time out on the sidelines due to an injury he picked up in early December. Having returned to action in March, the Netherlands international has found himself behind Ferran Torres, Ousmane Dembele, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the pecking order.

As a result, his game-time has taken a hit. With Ansu Fati also now returning from injury and Barcelona planning to sign Robert Lewandowski in the summer, Depay’s future at Camp Nou is far from certain, with former club Manchester United interested in signing him.

However, a new report from Diario AS is now claiming that the 28-year-old could end up staying at Camp Nou beyond the current season if Barça’s transfer plans do not pan out as expected.

As iterated earlier, the Catalan giants are interested in signing Lewandowski. But a deal is far from straightforward as Bayern Munich have no intention of selling him this summer and are prepared to lose him for nothing in 2023.

If the Blaugrana come up short in their pursuit of the Poland international, it could compel them to keep hold of Depay beyond the current season.

The report states that the Barcelona coaches have been left impressed by the Netherlands international’s performances, while the player himself intends to continue at Camp Nou.

With Xavi planning to use Ansu Fati as a No. 9, Barça would need an additional forward to compete with Ferran Torres on the left flank. Retaining Depay, in that regard, makes sense for the Catalan giants.

But, if the club sign Lewandowski or a different top-quality striker, Fati would likely continue on the left flank, which could see Depay leave. So, as things stand, it seems like the 28-year-old’s future will hinge on Barcelona’s pursuit of a new striker.