Atletico Madrid News
Ronald Koeman explains the reason for Memphis’ exit from Barcelona
Memphis Depay’s move from Barcelona to Atletico Madrid might well be the most significant winter transfer in the Spanish League. A player with such quality moving from one of the league’s giants to another could well have implications on the title race.
The Dutchman did not see many minutes under Xavi Hernandez and quickly fell down the pecking order after the legendary midfielder’s takeover at the club. After all, he was not a signing Barcelona undertook under Xavi.
Memphis moved to Barcelona under the tenure of ex-manager Ronald Koeman, with whom he has worked closely in the past too at the Dutch National setup.
Earlier today, Koeman spoke during his re-appointment as the manager of the Oranjes where he touched upon the topic of Depay’s situation.
“Memphis was not comfortable with his situation at Barcelona. Now he will have minutes at Atlético Madrid.”
The winger’s newfound prominence under Diego Simeone undoubtedly comes as music to the former Barcelona manager’s ears as he will not see a more in-form and game-ready Depay in the National setup.
The former Lyon captain was Barcelona’s main player under Ronald Koeman in a different setup that saw him as the protagonist.
In just 13 appearances under the Dutch manager in 2021-22, Depay scored four goals and provided three assists for the Catalans. Xavi took over midway through the season and his involvement on the field gradually reduced, yet, the winger finished the La Liga season with twelve goals and two assists.
He made his debut for the Rojiblancos in the team’s clash against Real Valladolid at the weekend. In just 15 minutes on the field, he recorded one blocked shot and completed over 90% of his attempted passes.
Source: Netherlands Twitter
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea contact PSG midfielder’s agent with player set to leave
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are among the clubs that have made contact with the agent of PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is set to leave this summer.
This claim comes from journalist Martin Arevalo on ESPN, who states that apart from Atletico and Chelsea, an unnamed third club have also established contact with the Argentine international’s representative.
Paredes has been on PSG’s books since January 2019, when he arrived from Zenit St. Petersburg. For a large part of his time at the French capital outfit, the midfielder had been a regular starter in the side.
However, last summer saw Paredes get shipped out on loan to Juventus. He has played 33 times for the Bianconeri this season with a return of one goal and assist apiece.
The Serie A heavyweights, who were recently hit with a 10-point deduction, have the option to purchase him permanently. But, as per the report, his relationship with manager Massimiliano Allegri is not good and a return to PSG is on the cards.
And considering that he is not in the plans back at Parc des Princes either, a permanent departure away seems set in stone for Paredes.
As such, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and an unnamed club have shown interest in acquiring his services by making contact with the 28-year-old World Cup winner’s agent.
With Koke entering the final phase of his career and Geoffrey Kondogbia expected to leave at the end of the season, the Rojiblancos could do with reinforcements in the centre of the park.
Paredes, who has plenty of experience at the highest level and is known for his aggressive mentality, can be a good fit into Diego Simeone’s setup at the Civitas Metropolitano.
But, with Chelsea also in the picture, things could get tricky for the Colchoneros. After all, Atleti are operating on tight finances and are looking for bargain and free transfer signings in the market with the likes of Marcus Thuram, Jordi Alba, and Raphael Guerreiro emerging as targets.
