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Xavi responds to speculation surrounding Atletico Madrid-linked Memphis Depay

sportsmole.co.uk, 11 January 2023, 18:27
Barcelona boss Xavi has said that there have been no developments on the future of Memphis Depay despite the widespread speculation surrounding the attacker.

Manchester United have been credited with an interest in their former player, but it appears that the 20-time English champions are now focusing their efforts on signing Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley.

Atletico Madrid have allegedly emerged as the favourites for Memphis, with Diego Simeone's side in the market for a forward, having allowed Joao Felix to join Chelsea on loan.

However, Xavi, speaking in Saudi Arabia ahead of Thursday's Spanish Super Cup semi-final with Real Betis, has denied that there has been any talks over a possible departure for the Netherlands international.

"We haven't had a meeting and we don't know anything. I said the other day that if they don't touch the squad I'm happy," Xavi told reporters. "There are no new developments as far as I know. I haven't seen Mateu [Alemany] or [Joan] Laporta. If there is any news, they will let me know."

Memphis's contract at Camp Nou is due to expire this summer, and he is not expected to sign another deal with Barcelona, which could lead to a January departure.

The Dutchman has scored 14 goals and registered two assists in 42 matches for his current side, although he has only managed one goal in four appearances this term, largely due to injury.

Memphis will hope to be given the opportunity to impress in the Spanish Super Cup, with Barcelona facing Real Betis on Thursday ahead of a possible final with Real Madrid or Valencia on Sunday.

"Real Betis is a team that likes to have the ball. [Manuel] Pellegrini is an attacking coach and they have great players and they press well. Physically they have a very strong double pivot, but we'll try to keep the ball as much as possible," added Xavi during his pre-match press conference.

"We're in a good moment and we're calm. We will try to show our personality. The Super Cup is a title we want to win. We're particularly excited about winning it and it would give us a lot of peace.

"If we win the Super Cup we will try to keep competing for the rest of the titles. Now we are focused on the Super Cup. We must not make any mistakes.

"I envisage a game where possession of the ball will play a big part. They enjoy playing with the ball, [Sergio] Canales, [Nabil] Fekir, Luiz Henrique, they are an opponent with a lot of technical quality. For me, they are one of the best in Spain. We will try to dominate with the ball. We won't lose our identity.

"Tomorrow will be a final for us. We have the Supercup title two games away from us and it would give us a lot. We don't have any injuries and we're in a good moment, but we have to prove it on the pitch."

Memphis was an unused substitute in Barcelona's league match with Atletico on Sunday, and he is widely expected to be on the bench once again for the clash with Real Betis.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Xavi's side could re-sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Chelsea if Memphis makes the move to Atletico.

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