Barcelona prepared to sanction the sale of misfit striker in January for €5 million – report

Barcelona are set for a busy period as we enter the mid-season hiatus in club football, in light of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

The club are in desperate need of trimming the squad, especially given the inflated salary structure. Although the Catalans were able to offload multiple fringe players in the summer, they are still looking to sanction the sale of a few more unwanted stars such as Memphis Depay.

The Dutchman was linked with a move away from Camp Nou in the summer. He was even poised to join Juventus before the move broke down. The player subsequently confirmed that he would remain at the club.

However, Depay has failed to make a significant impact since the start of the season. He has fallen behind the likes of Ansu Fati, Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele, and even Ferran Torres in the pecking order, having featured in just over 100 minutes of league football.

Injuries have not helped Depay’s cause either, thus compelling Barcelona to consider a January sale for the attacker.

According to journalist Javi Miguel (h/t FCB World), Barcelona are prepared to offload the former Manchester United starlet in January. The club are believed to be willing to sanction a sale if they receive an offer of around €5 million.

However, with Depay’s contract at Camp Nou expiring at the end of the season, it could be difficult for Barcelona to force his departure.

The player is already unwilling to join a club that cannot offer him Champions League football and has reportedly rejected advances from Sevilla.

There have been reports of interest from his former club Manchester United, who could be in need of a forward as Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to leave following his explosive interview. If such a move materialises, Depay could end up facing Barcelona in the UEFA Europa League playoffs.

The situation could perhaps get clearer after the end of the FIFA World Cup, where Depay is expected to play a starring role for his country.