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Juventus are ‘closing in on a deal to sign Barcelona forward Memphis Depay’ with the Spanish giants keen to get the Dutch international’s wages off their books so they can register their new signings
- Memphis Depay joined Barcelona last summer as a free agent after leaving Lyon
- His future at the club is already uncertain due to new signings made this summer
- Juventus are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign the Dutch international
- Barcelona need to sell players before they can register their new signings
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Juventus are closing in on an agreement with Barcelona for the signing of Dutch forward Memphis Depay.
The 28-year-old only joined the club last summer at the end of his Lyon contract, and went on to score 13 goals in 38 appearances during the past campaign.
However, Spanish publication Sport have reported that the Dutchman has agreed to leave Barcelona, and Juventus are set to land him for a ‘low transfer fee’.
Memphis Depay reportedly wants to leave Barcelona by the end of the transfer window
Additions of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha will make it harder for Depay to get game-time
It’s said the Spanish giants had hoped to obtain a ‘significant sum’ for Depay, who had a solid though unspectacular debut year at the Nou Camp.
Those plans have gone out of the window now, and Barcelona are happy to get a low transfer fee, plus bonuses in the future depending on the player’s performance should he join the Italian giants.
Depay, who is reportedly earning around £230,000-per-week at Barcelona, is demanding a high salary, while his agents are seeking an agreement for a two-year-deal – which would include the option of a third.
Depay had a solid though unspectacular season at Barcelona scoring 13 goals in 38 games
The clubs hope to wrap up negotiations and complete the deal by the end of the week.
Barcelona are keen to reduce their ever-growing wage bill, so that they can register their new signings, amid their well-documented financial issues.
Xavi’s side have made five signings, two of which offer extra competition for Depay in terms of making the starting XI.
Robert Lewandowski is expected to the centrepiece of the team after his £42million arrival from Bayern Munich, while winger Raphinha has also joined the club from Leeds, in a deal worth up to £55m.
Juventus are the strongest suitors for Depay and a deal could be agreed by the end of the week
Speculation on Depay’s future has heightened after he was forced to relinquish the No 9 shirt at Barcelona, in favour of Lewandowski.
Premier League sides Tottenham and Newcastle, as well as former side Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain, have also been linked with the Dutch forward.
The club have also signed £46m defender Jules Kounde from Sevilla and two free signings in the form of ex-Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen and AC Milan’s Franck Kessie.
Depay scored goals in recent victories over the New York Red Bulls and Inter Miami during their tour of the United States.
He will be keen to find a club this summer to make sure he gets regular game time ahead of playing with the Netherlands at the World Cup.
Xavi’s side have made five signings though players need to be sold so they can be registered