Some Everton supporters may have dreamt of signing Olympique Lyonnais forward Memphis Depay this summer, but L’Equipe, via Goal reporter Robin Bairner, understand the Dutchman has rejected the chance to join the Toffees.
We had not lodged an official offer for the Dutch international, anyway. But there had been discussions at Finch Farm over a move, as there is a distinct possibility Les Gones would be open to cashing in on their 12 goal, 16 assists (in all competitions) star.
L’Equipe reported on Thursday, however, that Depay feels we are not prestigious enough to be worth his consideration, and while Liverpool may be more to his taste, the Anfield outfit are not planning a move at this stage.
Depay, who is currently valued at £40.5million by TransferMarkt, could thus be forced to stay at the Lyon Olympic Stadium for at least another season, having joined the French side in 2017 in a deal which could rise to £21.8million.
Our interest in signing the Manchester United reject is hardly fresh, either, as reports began to surface toward the end of the Premier League season, suggesting Director of Football Marcel Brands and Head of Recruitment Gretar Steinsson attended the Ligue 1 encounter between Les Gones and LOSC Lille on May 5, where Depay assisted Martin Terrier’s opening goal in a 2-2 draw.
Brands and Steinsson also hoped to have eyes on Lucas Tousart that day, but the French midfielder did not feature against the Stade Pierre-Mauroy natives. However, his absence gave the pair a chance to scout Bertrand Traore instead, and the Chelsea-product has since been heavily linked with a summer switch to Goodison Park.
Some Everton supporters, though, took to social media not long after the initial Depay rumours surfaced and discussed whether they would like to see the club make a move for the 25-year-old, although it was clear from the comments that the fanbase were very divided.
While a few were keen to add the 2016 FA Cup winner to Marco Silva’s attacking options, others lamented Depay’s attitude problems and questioned whether the boss could control them.