Barcelona consider sanctioning exit for out-of-favour forward after World Cup

More than a year into his stint at Barcelona, Memphis Depay has failed to find his bearings at the club. The 28-year-old arrived as a free agent last year and was tipped to take over as the main forward of the team following Lionel Messi’s shock exit.

His form at Olympique Lyon and for the Netherlands national team provided optimism that he can be a difference-maker. And while Depay started the season well for Barça, injuries, change of managers and the arrival of new forwards meant that he never truly flourished.

Things have only gotten worse for the Netherlands ace this season as he is no longer a major part of Xavi’s plans. Indeed, the Blaugrana had made attempts to sell Depay in the summer and a move to Juventus looked on the cards.

However, the Bianconeri backed out of the deal, and the subsequent exit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona meant that Depay stayed put at Spotify Camp Nou.

But game-time has been hard to come for the Dutchman, with an injury during the international break only making things worse.

Now, SPORT is reporting that Barcelona are considering sanctioning an exit for Depay after the FIFA World Cup.

The 28-year-old’s current contract with the club expires at the end of the season. There had been talks about a potential renewal at one point but it always seemed a distant probability, with the forward expected to leave at the end of the season.

But the need to free up space on the salary bill ahead of possible signings in January has meant that the Catalans are trying to accelerate plans to part ways with him soon after the World Cup.

The club believe that Depay could find exciting opportunities in January as he would be the leading striker for the Netherlands at the World Cup, while they can save half of his yearly salary.

The ex-Manchester United forward played just three times before his injury this season. And there is a possibility that he could be out of Barcelona in a couple of months.