Memphis Depay breaks silence on future amid Barca exit rumors

The former Lyon and Manchester United attacker has reportedly stirred interest from Premier League clubs.

Memphis Depay has said he wants to become an important player for Barcelona despite reports linking him with a summer exit.

The Netherlands international joined Barca as a free agent from Lyon last summer. In 34 appearances across all competitions for the club, he has produced 12 goals and two assists.

His game time, however, has suffered since the January arrivals of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres, and prompted reports of a surprise return to the Premier League.

Memphis Depay has been approached by Premier League clubs in the past few weeks but still nothing advanced. 🇳🇱 #FCB

Depay clarifies: "I came here at Barcelona with the desire to play for the team – and of course I want to feel important here for several years".

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 2, 2022

But Depay gave Barcelona a fresh reminder of what he can do on Sunday with a superb performance in the 2-1 win over Mallorca, while scoring the first goal of the game.

“I came here looking forward to playing for the team. I want to be important in the team next year and for several years more,” he said on ESPN after the match.

It’s likely Luuk de Jong will return to Sevilla once his loan deal ends. Adama Traore faces a similar fate, as his loan move from Wolves ends in the summer. Ousmane Dembele’s future also hangs in the balance, as the Frenchman’s contract runs out in the summer.

This will leave Barcelona with four senior attacking options in Aubameyang, Torres, Ansu Fati, and Depay as things stand for next season.

“There is no need to talk about the future, now is about the present,” said Barca manager Xavi on Sunday.

“Memphis has played because he trains well, he has had a fantastic week. I want players with his attitude, that desire to make a difference. Sometimes I have been unfair to him (in minute allocation). If he plays like that, he has to play.”