Dutch forward Memphis Depay is set to prove his worth at the top once again as Barcelona have confirmed their latest acquisition in an official statement. The move is set to offer Depay another chance to prove his worth at the top level. But is this his last chance to prove his worth? For the answer, it is essential to assess his background.
Memphis Depay Is Set To Prove His Worth At Barcelona
The Meteoric Rise
The exuberant winger was 20-years old when he fired PSV Eindhoven to the Eredivisie title by smashing 22 league goals. His form did not go unnoticed as Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal prioritised his signing. The 27-year-old experienced steadfast growth when he had a deal with the expectation of wearing the elusive Number seven shirt.
His career faced a standstill as he failed to live up to the standards set. His form carried on till the end of the 2015/16 campaign. With only seven goals scored in the campaign, the Red Devils sold him to Lyon with a buyback clause.
A Downgrade?
A move to Ligue 1 side Lyon was a downgrade, but the Dutch goal scorer made the most of his opportunities. With less pressure, Depay finally had the chance to develop as a player. He established himself as a significant player and went on to score five goals & provide seven assists in the second half of the 2016/17 season. In the subsequent seasons, Depay established himself as one of Ligue 1’s most eye-catching stars.
A Move Back To Manchester United?
The blistering form did not go unnoticed by his previous club, who consistently monitored his progress. As their interest in Depay was never concrete, they did not re-sign the star. The rejection fuelled the Netherlands international to work more than before.
After an injury-ridden 2019/20 campaign, he scored 22 goals and set up 12 goals in the 2020/21 season. Towards the end of the season, The French giants realized that Depay would not sign a new contract, and as a result, leave the club on a free transfer.
Back On The Big Stage
After intense speculation since the start of the year, Barcelona has completed the signing of Memphis Depay. The move will end Depay’s status as a big fish in a small pond and drive him back to a recognisable platform where the pressure is high. The 27-year old soon rushed to express his excitement with the following tweet.
Dream big kid.. Dream big.
Super excited to join my new club! @fcbarcelona👉🏽🦁👈🏽 𝑮𝒐𝒅’𝒔 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏 pic.twitter.com/WnV1ufoBYw
— Memphis Depay (@Memphis) June 19, 2021
Last Chance For Memphis Depay To Prove His Worth
This transfer could be the final chance for the former Sparta Rotterdam academy star to prove himself at the highest level. While his failure at Manchester United looked at as a black mark, one should consider his age and time of arrival. The following comment from the Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand perfectly encapsulates the reason for his failure in England- “I think it comes down to numerous things. Timing, the right time, and right place, and maturity, he may have gone there too young. And coaching, the right coaching at the right time.”
Now, Memphis Depay is a mature forward who is at the peak of his career. The manager Ronald Koeman’s confidence in him means that he will have a huge role to play in the upcoming campaign. But only time will tell how the situation will play out.
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