Netherlands striker Memphis Depay will join Atletico Madrid from Spanish league rival Barcelona after the Catalan club confirmed on Friday, January 20, that it has reached a deal to sell the player.
Depay who signed for Barca in 2021, arriving as a free agent after his contract with Olympique Lyon had run out, trained with Atletico on Thursday, January 19, with permission from his club.
He was a prominent part of the team under Ronald Koeman, but his importance in the side was receding once Xavi Hernandez took over the reins. While he still made some important contributions last season, Depay had been relegated to a bit-part player this term.
The 28-year-old Dutch forward has only played just four times across all competitions in Barcelona’s current campaign.
Barcelona said Atletico had agreed to pay 3 million euros ($3.25 million) with a possible 1 million euros ($1.08 million) more in add-ons. Depay agreed to a contract that will keep him in the capital for the next two-and-a-half years, Atlético said.
A statement shared on Barcelona’s website read;
“FC Barcelona and Club Atlético de Madrid have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Memphis Depay for the fee of 3 million euros plus one million in variables.
“The agreement includes a preferential but not compulsory purchase option for the player Yannick Carrasco. FC Barcelona would like to publicly thank Memphis for his commitment and dedication and wishes him all the best for the future.”
Far behind Spanish leader Barcelona, Atlético is fighting to secure a top-four finish and a resulting Champions League berth.
