Barcelona and Liverpool might get creative in attempts to move on from players they deem surplus to requirements. According to multiple reports from Spain, the two European powerhouses are discussing a swap deal that would see Memphis Depay head to Anfield and Roberto Firmino making way to Camp Nou.
Depay was already close to joining Liverpool back in 2015 before choosing Manchester United. On the other hand, Firmino was linked with Barcelona this past summer, but the move fell through after Liverpool felt the offer from the Spanish club just wasn’t good enough.
Barca has been active in trying to find someone to get Memphis Depay off their hands the whole summer, with the Dutch international being close to joining Seria A giants Juventus. However, salary issues nixed the move, and the 28-year-old ended up stuck in Spain. He played only two games in La Liga and managed to score once.
“I played less than usual, and it’s not something I am used to,” Depay told reporters last week. “But here you know you are going to play, so I am extra motivated and thankful.”
Roberto Firmino, on the other hand, has been pushing for Liverpool exit during the transfer window after it became clear he will going to fall down the pecking order in favor of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and the new arrival Darwin Nunez. The Brazilian ended up staying at Anfield after a lack of offers and has been playing quite well in 2022-23, scoring three goals and adding three assists in five Premier League matches.
