Manchester United favourites to buy back Memphis Depay in January 2020: Lyon chief

Lyon sporting director Juninho revealed on Wednesday that Premier League giants Manchester United have the option to buy back Dutch forward Memphis Depay from the Ligue 1 side, courtesy of a clause in the player’s contract. Depay has performed well for Lyon and has impressed teams across Europe ever since his departure from Old Trafford two seasons ago.

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In his last stint in England, Depay scored just two goals in 33 Premier League appearances for the Old Trafford side. It prompted the Netherlands star to move to France in 2017 and he has been linked with top European clubs including the likes of Liverpool and United itself ever since. Depay has scored seven goals in 10 Ligue 1 appearances and four goals in four Champions League matches so far this season. His performances have even attracted interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, who are reportedly willing to pay £50 million for the Dutch forward.

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United can exercise buy-back option

When asked by French media outlets about the buy-back clause, Juninho confirmed that It’s true that Manchester United will be given first priority to buy back Depay. He believes that these things exist in football. But until now, they have not received anything on Depay. Juninho has reportedly admitted that getting Depay to sign a new deal may be a challenge, specifically with the possibility of a free transfer not too far away. Depay will have just one year left in his contract after this season ends.

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Depay has played 130 matches for Lyon so far and has been a tough force in front of the goal for Lyon. He has scored 50 goals along with 42 assists throughout his time at the Groupama Stadium. Depay had moved to Manchester United from PSV in 2015. However, he moved to Lyon in 2017 following his poor stint with the Red Devils.

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