Manchester United have the option to exercise a buy-back clause in Memphis Depay’s contract, Lyon chief Juninho has revealed.
The Netherlands international was heralded as the next big thing when he joined the Premier League side for £25million from PSV Eindhoven in 2015, even earning the club’s prestigious number seven shirt.
But it proved to be a largely frustrating 18-month spell at Old Trafford for the forward, who scored just two goals in 33 appearances.
He was duly shipped out to Lyon for £16m in January 2017 and, after regaining his confidence, has started to show the world why Louis van Gaal coughed up the cash to bring him to Manchester five years ago.
He has 11 goals in just 14 games this season, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly eyeing up a £50m move in January.
However, Lyon sporting director Juninho confirmed United would be at the front of the queue due to a clause in the deal which took him to the Groupama Stadium.
“It’s true that Manchester United have a priority to buy back Memphis,” the Brazilian told OLTV.
“These things exist in football. But until now, we’ve not received anything on Memphis.”
By the time the season finishes, the 25-year-old will have just one year remaining on his current contract.
Given the financial incentives which could entice Depay to simply wind down his deal, Juninho admitted agreeing a new contract could be tricky.
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“Each time there’s only a year left on a contract, the conversation over a renewal becomes rather difficult,” Juninho added. “But I think that he’s really happy in Lyon at the moment.
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“It’s also the same with Moussa Dembele, but the president and those that know football are conscious that, if you want to start winning titles again, to fight in the Champions League and in Ligue 1, it’s important to keep players like that in the squad for a long time.
“For the moment, nothing is being done concerning Memphis. We’ll start discussing a contract extension by the end of the year.”