In a move that shapes the near future of both clubs, Memphis Depay is transitioning from Barcelona to Atlético Madrid. The agreed terms place Depay at Atlético in exchange for three million euros, plus additional payments tied to performance-related variables. The Dutch forward, who is under contract until the end of the current season, did not win the full confidence of the Barcelona coach, and both sides opted for a streamlined transfer that minimizes financial exposure while maximizing strategic clarity for the remaining months of the campaign.
Depay, who joined Barcelona as a free agent from Ligue 1 in the summer of 2021, did not participate in the most recent team training with the club’s blessing before finalizing the move to Cívitas Metropolitano. His arrival strengthens an attacking line that already includes Joao Félix, who arrived on loan from Chelsea and is set to remain with Atlético Madrid for the remainder of the season. The deal has reshaped the forward options for head coach Diego Simeone, offering a mix of proven experience and the chance to inject fresh goals and creativity into the squad during the closing phase of the domestic league and European contests.
Depay has a track record at Barça that includes a combat-tested presence, yet his role in the current setup had diminished. Across the season, he has logged just a handful of appearances, contributing a total of two hundred and six minutes across all competitions. The transfer paves the way for a different tactical balance at Atlético, one that could leverage Depay’s movement and finishing instincts in a league that rewards vertical play and timing in the final third.
Carrasco, on the radar
Another piece of the puzzle is Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, the Atlético Madrid forward who has also appeared in discussions around potential transfer terms. Barcelona holds a future option related to Depay that could influence how the club views a possible permanent exit. The possibility remains that Atlético may exercise a non-mandatory purchase arrangement, depending on performance milestones and the ongoing assessment of squad needs, especially in the context of the competitive La Liga and European fixtures.
The formal unveiling of Carrasco at Atlético Madrid is expected to take place at 18:00 at the Cívitas Metropolitano, with expectations that he could be cleared to feature for Atlético in La Liga as early as the coming weekend. This moment would mark a new chapter for the Belgian international, who has previously made his mark with Olympique Lyon, Manchester United, and PSV, bringing a blend of speed, technique, and versatility to the side. The move also signals Atlético’s intent to bolster their attack and provide coach Simeone with additional options as the season progresses. The club remains mindful of the balance between immediate impact and long-term planning as they integrate new players into the tactical system.