Could Memphis Depay make the switch to Liverpool?
With the summer transfer window coming nearer by the day, constant transfer rumours continue to intensify all round Europe, and one of the names on Premier League fans’ lips is Dutch talent Memphis Depay of PSV Eindhoven, of whom has been linked numerous times with Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal. However Liverpool have their work cut out for them to land the 21 year old in the summer, with the prospect of champions league football potentially being a key factor in where the Dutchman is playing in the next campaign come August.
It has been clear that Depay is a talented individual for some time now, in 2011, Memphis was on trial for PSV Eindhoven’s first team while playing for Jong PSV , the reserve team. He made his official debut in September 2011 in a KNVB Cup match against amateur side VVSB. During this match he scored two goals. Soon after that his first Eredivisie match was in February 2012, when PSV beat bitter rivals Feyenoord 3-2 in Eindhoven. In addition, Depay had a terrific world cup in Brazil for the Netherlands, scoring in their win over Australia that summer also, proving how he is capable of performing on the big stage. As a result of his excellent performances on the left wing for both club and country, Memphis has been valued by some at a hefty price tag of 20-30 million pounds, however would Liverpool fans want to take the risk of a potential record transfer?
As a Liverpool fan myself, I believe that Liverpool should definitely attempt to sign Memphis, his pace, skill and creativity going forward may be just what we need next season, with Raheem Sterling’s situation still in the air. Personally I rate Depay over Sterling also, as Depay for me has proven himself more consistently at a high level, such as the world cup. In addition to this, Depay has the potential to join a long list of Dutch managers and players to be successful in England’s premier division, the likes of Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben, Dirk Kuyt, Ronald Koeman, Ron Vlaar, and many others throughout the years.
However as much as I would like to see Depay in Liverpool colours next season, I feel that we would face an uphill battle to capture his signature in the summer, this is because of three possible factors. Firstly money, with Depay being a young prospect his asking price may be on the high side, and as we have seen in the past, Liverpool can prove to be reluctant in spending big on specific players, only to see them move elsewhere. Manchester United and Arsenal as we have seen before are willing to break the bank for players like Depay, so we would have to spend big to fend off opposing interest from premier league rivals.
The second factor is champions league football next season, with the reds being seven points adrift from the top four, it is looking increasingly likely that we are destined for Europa league football in the next campaign, and with Arsenal and Manchester United looking further up, Depay may prefer to play in the champions league, like most young upcoming players these days. The third and final factor would be the manager, would Depay prefer to play under fellow Dutchman Van Gaal? Would Depay fit into Rodgers system at Liverpool? These three factors may be possible reasons as to why Depay wouldn’t come to Liverpool.
To conclude, I believe Depay is talented enough and capable of performing at the highest level in the Premier league, and with increasing links via the media, could Liverpool outdo their fierce rivals to capture the talented winger?
Source : Anfield Chat