Lyon's Dutch forward Memphis Depay celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and AS Monaco at the Groupama stadium in Decines-Charpieu, near Lyon, south-eastern France, on October 25, 2020. (Photo by PHILIPPE DESMAZES / AFP) (Photo by PHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP via Getty Images)
Everton were linked with a move for Lyon forward Memphis Depay in the summer (source – The Sun). However, no deal was worked out and Depay remained at Lyon, playing out the last year of his contract. With Everton facing a crisis currently, they could well look to Depay in January to solve some of their issues.
Memphis Depay is a 26-year-old Dutch forward who plays for Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyon. He started his youth career at VV Moordrecht in 2000 and moved to Sparta Rotterdam after 3 years. Another three years later, he joined PSV Eindhoven’s youth setup.
Spending the next few years in the U-17s and U-19s, he was promoted to the senior side in 2011. He went on to make 124 appearances for the side, scoring 50 goals and assisting 29. His final season at PSV, where he scored 28 goals and was Eredivisie’s top scorer, prompted Manchester United to splash the cash on him.
However, the move did not go as planned. Depay struggled to replicate his form and despite many chances, he failed to cement his spot in the team. Within 6 months of Jose Mourinho’s arrival, Depay was off to Lyon.
Since then, Depay has rediscovered his form and has managed to make 147 appearances for the club, scoring 59 goals and assisting another 46 (source – Transfermarkt). Depay has been the spearhead of the Dutch national team over the last few years, making 53 appearances and scoring 19 times.
When Everton strung together 8 wins on the trot in all competitions and were league leaders, you could forgive Everton fans for hoping for something different for the season. Yet, as Callum Wilson struck twice to inflict a second loss for the Toffees in their last 2 league games, a familiar feeling of disappointment crept in.
Yes, they are still in fourth place and are without the likes of Richarlison and James Rodriguez. Things aren’t too bad, at least for now. Everton have always been known to show effervescence and then fade away drastically. This is particularly due to them not having a good squad.
With James and Richarlison out, there was no connection between the midfield and attack. Calvert-Lewin has kept up his scoring but he needs good service at all times. Everton cannot do that unless their full-strength team is playing.
This is where someone like Memphis Depay comes in handy. The Dutchman may not have fond memories of his time in England but he is a prolific striker currently. He boasts of ridiculous stats for Lyon and has been on the radar of elite clubs (source – Metro).
Depay is versatile enough to play across the frontline, which would allow James to switch to his favoured No.10 role. It would be a dangerous-looking attack with James pulling the strings from midfield for Depay, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin. Everton should focus all their efforts to sign Depay in January.
