Liverpool should launch a surprising swoop for former Manchester United attacker Memphis Depay, according to an ex-Anfield player.
Depay moved to the Premier League in July 2015 when Man Utd paid PSV Eindhoven £31million to sign him on a four-year contract. At the time, the centre-forward said it was ‘a dream come true’ for him to be joining the Red Devils.
However, things didn’t work out for Depay in England. He struggled to replicate his PSV form for Man Utd and managed just seven goals in 53 appearances.
Club coaches and fans alike soon became fed up with his sub-par performances, and the Netherlands international was allowed to leave in January 2017. He signed for Lyon and resurrected his career there, notching 76 goals across three and a half seasons.
Depay ran down his contract with Lyon and secured another dream transfer last summer, linking up with Spanish titans Barcelona. After a good first campaign there, he is now behind Robert Lewandowski in the pecking order.
Depay is hoping to leave Barca in the new year so he can become a first-team regular elsewhere. And he will have been aiming to make a big impression at the World Cup to excite any potential suitors.
The 28-year-old did score a goal on the Netherlands’ route to the last eight, although he didn’t exactly set the tournament alight.
Nevertheless, reports have tipped Man Utd to cause a shock by re-signing Depay in the January transfer window.
Klopp told Memphis Depay signing is ‘a good idea’
And now, in another twist, former Liverpool man Steve Nicol has urged Jurgen Klopp to consider capturing Depay.
During an appearance on ESPN FC’s YouTube channel, Nicol was asked about Liverpool signing Depay as a backup for Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota. He replied: “I mean, why not. The guy has got ability. Barcelona, considering the situation they are in financially – maybe it could work.
“If Liverpool had Depay on the bench to come on, then that wouldn’t be a bad thing. Considering how difficult these things always seem to be to work out, it probably seems unlikely.
“But as far as being a good idea (in signing Depay), then absolutely.”
Liverpool fans might immediately have concern about their club bringing Depay in. After all, he struggled in the Prem when he was in England before.
But the attacker has grown since then and has evolved into a more rounded forward player. His wealth of experience, both in Ligue 1 and La Liga, should stand him in good stead for a return to the Prem.
And the main benefit for Liverpool would be the transfer fee, which would be next to nothing. Depay’s Barca contract expires at the end of the season.
This means he could move to Anfield for a cut-price fee, or potentially none at all as Barca may want to get him off their books straight away.
Liverpool would have to spend decent money to sign another player to deputise for Diaz and Jota. But in Depay, they have a cheap alternative.
The decision ultimately rests with Klopp. He may feel he has enough attackers at his disposal to help Liverpool get back into the top four.
Another factor to consider is Liverpool’s search for a new midfielder. This is Klopp’s priority right now, ahead of any other position.
So perhaps Klopp will focus on landing a new midfielder this winter before signing any more strikers.
In terms of Liverpool getting that midfielder, the Reds have been dealt a hammer blow in their chase for a Serie A star.
