Manchester United signed Memphis Depay from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2015 to much fanfare. He had showed tremendous potential already and many believed that he could be a star at Old Trafford for years to come.
As we all know, things turned out to be very different. By January of 2017, he had already moved to French Ligue 1 giants Lyon. And there, he has managed to carve out a brilliant career for himself.
According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has scored 76 goals and provided 53 assists in 177 appearances across all competitions for Lyon. And it is hard not to feel that the Red Devils might have let him leave a bit too early.
As reported by the Mirror, Manchester United had installed a buyback clause and a sell-on fee in Depay’s contract at Lyon. But with him set to become a free agent this summer, it looks like neither of them will ever come into the picture.
More from Manchester United News
- Aaron Wan Bissaka out for ‘several weeks’ with injury
- Sofyan Amrabat set to miss game against Brighton
- Preview: Manchester United vs Brighton – What you need to know
- Jadon Sancho set to train away from first team squad
- Mike Phelan blasts Manchester United teammates over Ronaldo exit
Would a Memphis Depay return make sense for Manchester United?
There is no doubt that Depay is a brilliant player and the fact that he will be a free agent this summer means that many clubs are expected to be interested in his signature.
FC Barcelona are believed to be the favourites for his signature and have been linked with the Dutch international for a long time now. But if the opportunity was there, would bringing back Depay to Old Trafford make sense for the Red Devils?
He is a very versatile player, capable of playing both as a left winger and a striker. And both of them are positions that Manchester United could do with some reinforcements in.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have enjoyed a great campaign but if they are to be serious contenders for the Premier League come next season, they need to increase their squad depth. And signing someone like Depay on a free transfer would be a brilliant move. But at this point of time, a move does seem very unlikely.