According to Spanish publication AS, Xavi Hernandez met with rumoured Tottenham target Memphis Depay to explain to the striker that he will not get any minutes during the upcoming season if he stays at Barcelona.
Sport reported last week that Tottenham had stepped up their pursuit of Depay and even claimed the Lilywhites had already presented an offer to the player’s representatives.
However, this has been contradicted by Fabrizio Romano, who stated a few days ago that the North London club have not made a bid for the Dutchman so far (GiveMeSport).
AS have now explained that Xavi met with Depay during Barca’s pre-season tour in the United States to deliver some brutal truths to the striker.
The Barca boss allegedly explained to the 28-year-old that he is surplus to requirements following the arrival of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, as well as Ousmane Dembele’s decision to extend his contract.
The 42-year-old is thought to have informed the Netherlands international that he would spend the whole season on the bench if he does not find a new club this summer.
The report adds that the Catalan giants value Depay at around €20 (£17m), and that the striker is searching for an offer that would ‘meet all his needs’.
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Spurs Web Opinion
If Depay came to Tottenham, he would likely get even fewer minutes than he would at Barcelona. So, I do not see how the transfer would make sense, either from Spurs’ perspective or Depay’s.
I would not be surprised if the Dutchman ended up joining Chelsea this summer, given that Thomas Tuchel’s men need a number nine.
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