Manchester United 'could re-sign Memphis Depay on a free transfer'

Manchester United could reportedly re-sign Memphis Depay on a free transfer, with Barcelona prepared to terminate his contract ahead of the January transfer window.

The 28-year-old made the move to Camp Nou from Lyon in July 2021, but he only signed a two-year contract with the Catalan outfit, and his deal is due to expire at the end of the campaign.

Memphis has made 41 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, contributing 14 goals and two assists in the process, but he has only featured on three occasions this term due to injury.

The Netherlands international's only goal of the campaign came against Elche in La Liga in the middle of September, but he was sidelined ahead of the World Cup due to a thigh issue.

Memphis is yet to start for his country at the World Cup, featuring off the bench in their opening two fixtures against Senegal and Ecuador.

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The forward is widely expected to leave Barcelona in January, with a number of clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, said to be closely monitoring the situation.

However, Man United are also believed to be interested in re-signing the player that represented the Red Devils between 2015 and 2017.

Memphis arrived at Old Trafford off the back of scoring 50 goals and registering 29 assists in 124 appearances for PSV Eindhoven in all competitions.

However, he found it difficult to make his mark at Man United, only managing seven goals and six assists in 53 appearances for the club before moving on to Lyon.

A successful spell in France, where he scored 76 goals and contributed 55 assists in 178 appearances, led to Barcelona bringing him to the club on a free transfer.

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According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Memphis is 'on the list' for Man United, who are expected to sign a new forward in January following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure.

Plettenberg claims that Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag 'can really imagine bringing him back', and there is currently 'contact between all parties'.

The journalist also adds that Barcelona would be willing to terminate the Dutchman's contract, as they are determined to avoid paying his salary for the remainder of the campaign.

As a result, Man United could potentially re-sign the forward on a free transfer, and Ronaldo's exit has saved the club around £500,000 a week in wages, so there is room in the budget to bring in the Dutchman.