Atletico Madrid are planning a summer clear-out, and one of the players set to leave is Memphis Depay, whose constant injury problems have caused great frustration for head coach Diego Simeone over the last 16 months, since he arrived at the Civitas Metropolitano from La Liga rivals Barcelona.
Depay has made 40 appearances for Atleti across all competitions since joining, but not very many have been from the start. Alvaro Morata and Angel Correa have been preferred by Simeone, and with a new striker wanted in the summer, the decision has been made for Depay to be moved on.
Depay will have the chance to show himself off to interested clubs when he plays for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, and Ronald Koeman – his manager at Oranje – has effectively confirmed that he won’t be staying with Atleti, as per MD.
“He also has to look for a club again, so maybe that will help him for the European Championship.”
It makes sense for Atletico Madrid to move Depay on this summer, and even if he leaves as a free agent (which is the expectation), it’s not a major loss as he was signed for a nominal fee.