Barcelona will not let Depay join Atletico Madrid until they find a replacement – report

Even as some outlets in Spain advance the possible transfer of Memphis Depay from Barcelona to Atletico Madrid, the operation has not progressed to the extent that it is being reported.

Indeed, just a while MARCA claimed that the Rojiblancos were one step away from securing the signing of the Dutchman from Barça.

However, according to journalist Toni Juanmarti, that is not the case as Barcelona have no intention of letting Depay leave unless they bring in a replacement. And, at the moment, there is little to no clarity on whether they would be in a position to sign new players this month.

The same information has been reported by another reliable source in the form of Helena Condis, who states that Barça are clear that the only way Depay would leave this month is if a replacement arrives at Camp Nou.

This development will likely come as a blow for Atletico Madrid, who are eyeing the Netherlands international as a replacement for Joao Felix, who has joined Chelsea on loan.

The update from Juanmarti specifies that Xavi does not want to risk weakening the squad by letting the forward leave without bringing in a replacement.

Depay, for his part, would be open to joining Atletico Madrid but he is not against the idea of remaining at Camp Nou for the remainder of the campaign and then leaving as a free agent in the summer.

However, the possibility of signing a new player is quite difficult this month as Barcelona are currently operating under the 1:2.5 rule meaning they can spend only €400,000 for every €1 million they earn.

The possibility of re-signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was studied, but quickly dismissed as RFEF regulations would not allow the striker to return to Camp Nou.

Juanmarti further adds that Barcelona have a list of low-cost targets that they could replace Depay with. However, with no clarity on how much fair play margin they would generate from a possible agreement with Atletico for Depay, the situation is very difficult as things stand.

Barça are in contact with La Liga and are studying how much fair play they would generate depending on a hypothetical agreement for the sale of Depay. But what seems to be clear is that they will not let him join Atletico unless a replacement is lined up.