Everton links emerging to Barcelona target Memphis Depay make no sense.
With the January transfer window just over a month and a half away, the rumour mill has already begun. The Toffees had a terrific start to the campaign, winning first 7 games of the season. However, since the Merseyside derby, Ancelotti’s men haven’t tasted victory and have suffered defeats in three consecutive games.
The recent slump could be due to the lack of quality players available on the bench as key first team players missed out due to injuries and suspensions. There has been a rallying cry to improve the bench strength, getting rid of players such as Gylfi Sigurdsson, Alex Iwobi, Yannick Bolasie, Cenk Tosun and others.
Isco has been linked recently with a move to Merseyside in the winter transfer window. Now, Lyon star Memphis Depay has also been linked. The Dutchman was a Toffee target in the summer with numerous publications not ruling out a move to Everton. When talking to Telefoot (via HITC), Depay hinted that he isn’t happy at Lyon and could push for a January exit.
There are suggestions that Everton should push for signing Depay, who is in the final year of his contract. However, Depay is a prime Barcelona target with Blaugrana boss Ronald Koeman an admirer of the Dutchman.
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Everton links to Depay seem insensible. FC Barcelona is a dream for many players and can offer everything that the Toffees can’t. The most important thing and probably the deciding factor: Champions League Football. Despite the bright start, the Toffees still miss a few pieces in the jigsaw before they can be contenders for European Football or Champions League football.
At Barcelona, Depay has the chance to learn from the best in business- Lionel Messi. Everton do have a bigger pulling power thanks to Carlo Ancelotti’s presence but on any given day a player would choose to go to Barcelona rather than coming to Everton.
Secondly, the 26 year old is predominantly a left winger capable of playing as an inside forward and often drifts inside close to the striker. Richarlison occupies the left flank and has done a fantastic job there. Depay won’t come to Goodison to sit on the bench or accept a bits and pieces role.
The only solution to this is to make tactical changes and shift Richarlison to the right flank and drop James Rodriguez behind the striker. However, the Brazilian has been lethal and highly effective at the left flank and making such an unnecessary tactical modification wouldn’t be a smart step.
Memphis Depay, no doubt, is a skilled, inspiring, quality-laden player who can improve any side. He would definitely be a great addition to the Toffees side but with Barcelona being the biggest admirers, a move to Everton looks unlikely.