Memphis Depay is keen to leave Barcelona this summer, with a host of top clubs interested in him, among which Juventus are favourites.
Depay is poised to leave the Spanish giants, and the Bianconeri are exploring the different ways they could sign the Dutch forward. While it initially seemed like a loan with an obligation to buy was the likeliest option, Depay's lawyers are now in negotiations with Barca over agreeing on free agency, according to Fabrizio Romano.
This comes after there was little interest from clubs after Barca demanded €20 million for him. However, the 28-year-old will only accept to leave the club as a free agent if he's able to find the right option for his future, as he'll only consider top clubs.
While he only joined Barca as a free agent last summer, his contract only has a year left in it. To make his situation even more uncertain, the arrivals of a host of forwards over the last year or so, such as Robert Lewandowski, Pierre-Emerick Aubamyenag and Ferran Torres, have made his game time increasingly limited.
Additionally, he doesn't seem to be a favourite of Xavi's, with him even being stripped of his number nine shirt, which was given to Lewandowski.
Juve seems to be the likeliest destination for the Dutch forward, with them looking for a forward to either compete or else play with Dusan Vlahovic. Depay's versatility will definitely be key if a move does end up materialising.
Other clubs interested in him include former clubs Manchester United and Lyon, as well as Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Paris Saint-Germain.
United have been heavily linked with Depay, but Juve remain determined to find an agreement to snap him up before other contenders.
Another option that could be agreed on between Depay and Barca is for him to extend his contract until June 2024 and then join Juve on loan with an obligation to buy for €20 million that becomes available in the summer of 2023.
Despite struggling with injuries and falling out of favour with Xavi, Depay still managed to finish the season as the club's top scorer with 13 goals in all competitions, all while playing in a number of positions in attack, from as central striker, to being shifted out on the right or the left wings.
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