According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Barcelona’s hopes of offloading Memphis Depay in the ongoing transfer window have risen. The Dutch attacker is open to returning to Manchester United this summer, with the Red Devils already in contact with him over a late move.

Memphis Depay might have been on cloud nine this time last year after joining Barcelona in a Bosman move. The 28-year-old had worked hard to rise in stature in Europe, and he earned a deserved move to Camp Nou after running down his contract with Lyon. But while he finished the 2021/22 season as Barcelona’s top scorer, his stock has fallen at the Catalan club.

Barcelona signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres in the winter transfer window before adding Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha to the first-team squad this summer. As a result, Depay has fallen down the pecking order and is yet to make a competitive appearance for Barcelona this summer. And his next destination could be Manchester United.

Manchester United and Depay have been in contact over a late move this month, with the Red Devils considering launching the offensive to sign him. Manchester United’s priority target is Ajax attacker Antony. But the Dutch giants have rejected a €90 million offer from the Premier League heavyweights.

Manchester United will now have to take a decisive call to bolster the offensive unit, with Ajax hell bent on keeping hold of Antony. Depay might thus become a viable target for Manchester United, with recent reports claiming they are considering offering €10 million to secure the services of the Barcelona attacker.

Depay’s versatility might make him an attractive target for Manchester United as he can play across the frontline. And with Barcelona desperate to offload the Dutch attacker, a late move might see the light of day, especially since the player is open to rejoining the Red Devils.