Newcastle United

Newcastle United: Bailey claims Depay on club’s long list this summer

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Image for Newcastle United: Bailey claims Depay on club’s long list this summer

Newcastle United will not rule out a possible move for Barcelona outcast Memphis Depay this summer – but he is just one on the long list for the club, according to journalist Graeme Bailey. 

It is not surprising that Newcastle has been contacted by Barcelona to sign Depay as the La Liga giants want to sell to help their financial problems and the Magpies have the richest owners in world football.

While just a year ago it would be far-fetched to see Newcastle sign Depay, Bailey believes he is on their long list for transfers this summer and would not rule out the Tyneside club moving for the Dutch international if the price is right.

Bailey told Loaded Mag NUFC: “Memphis Depay, he’s been offered around Europe. Newcastle are one of the clubs, you’d expect that to be [the case]. An interesting option, I wouldn’t necessarily rule it out. He’s a top-quality performer.

“If you can get him for £20-25m, I think he’s probably one who is on the long list.”

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TIF Thoughts on Bailey’s comments…

If Newcastle were to sign Depay he would certainly be one of their biggest players, but it only makes sense for them to bring him in if the price is right and they see him as a fit for Eddie Howe’s project.

Last season in La Liga, Depay picked up 12 goals and two assists in 27 games while mainly playing as a centre-forward instead of on the wing. During these appearances, he managed to rank in the 97th percentile for progressive carries, 94th for shot-creating actions and progressive passes per game.

While the stats show that Depay is one of the best in Europe at progressing the ball up the pitch and creating chances for his side, we have seen Depay in the Premier League before at Manchester United where he failed to impress before being shipped off to Lyon.

However, if they can bring in Depay for the £20m to £25m Bailey claimed, it does feel in keeping with how Newcastle are operating under PIF. Signing good players than can impact the squad now while getting them at a decent price.

Should Newcastle sign Depay?

Yes

Yes

No

No

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