Syed Shaiban
Early June was when Louis Van Gaal made a quick move to capture the rising young sensation in Dutch Football, Memphis Depay, eventually bringing him to the club. PSG’s approach that time was when it was signalled that United had to make a quick move and so they did. Since then, it’s been a topsy-turvy ride for the winger who back then had got 28 goals in 40 appearances for PSV Eindhoven and had played an absolutely major part in their title winning success in Holland.
Today, after the Louis Van Gaal era and in the time of Jose Mourinho, the youngster looks to have lost his place. It was always deemed that he will take time to adapt to the game of the English soil but he hasn’t really delivered for Manchester United given the time. The signing of Henrikh Mkhitariyan and the progression of Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford has added immense competition to the place and as things stand, the chances are not being given for Depay and the only reason could be that he has not impressed the manager.
Rumours have already started to blossom considering the player and at this rate, a move in January looks imminent for the youngster who came with a huge reputation. Perhaps not United quality but here are other three Premier League clubs that are well suited to land the winger and in return, Depay can seriously add to the spice with less competition and more chances.
1) West Ham United
West Ham United haven’t punched above their mark this time and the club looks to be in a crisis which they definitely can get out off. Star player Dimitri Payet has clearly stated that he might move in January itself if an offer brings a sparkle to his eye.
One of the main reasons West Ham has struggled up top this season is due to Carroll being injured, Zaza’s poor form and lack of a goal scorer with dip in form of both Payet and Lanzini. In this case, an attacking player such as Depay who attacks at every given chance will surely bring something to the West Ham team.
His runs and crossing technique is good and an added bonus will be his long range shots which used to be one of his biggest threats in Holland. Form is temporary but class and technique never withers away in a young player. West Ham is definitely well suited to land him in.
2) Everton FC
Ronald Koeman’s arrival in the summer for Everton has marked a change in the club after a dismal campaign against earlier manager Roberto Martinez. Immediately, the manager has added to the attack with signings such as Bolasie but still Everton, in the final third, need more than Lukaku. Whenever their star striker has a slump in form, others take time to deliver and in the inconsistency of Barkley or Bolasie or even Mirallas for instance doesn’t help.
This is where someone like Depay can come in and play a role with having a much higher chance to make an impact and deliver. Koeman’s dutch influence will also help the player to grow and less competition will make him get higher chances to sign with the pressure of playing for a massive club like United lifted off his back even though any club’s fans definitely have rights to expect week in week out.
3) Southampton FC
A dawn of a new era once again at the south coast with Claude Puel welcomed at the club and the results as well as other factors have started to bring an identity to the club again along with fans. In the attacking sector, there’s too much dependency on Charlie Austin and only proper attacking options are Dusan Tadic or Redmond who spice the attack and Southampton need another attacking player bringing wide change of attributes to help the team.
The left wing position can be perfectly occupied by Memphis Depay considering the fact that Sofiane Boufal still has to adapt to England and get set for the premier league while Depay does bring some experience and knows how things work. Dusan Tadic, Redmond and Depay behind Charlie Austin certainly looks like a quality attack!
