MEMPHIS DEPAY has confirmed he will stay at Barcelona after being linked with a deadline day move to England.
Chelsea and Manchester United were both keen on landing the Dutch forward.
And reports from Spain claimed Depay received lucrative offers to leave the Nou Camp on Thursday.
But the versatile attacker has now posted a statement on social media declaring he will be a Barcelona player this season.
Depay declared: “I have decided to stay at Barca!
“Fully committed to contribute to the club’s sporting success.”
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It marks a stunning U-turn from both Depay and Barcelona, with the Spanish club prepared to rip up his contract earlier on Thursday.
Depay had reportedly submitted a transfer request on Wednesday, a week after his free move to Juventus fell through over personal terms.
United were thought to be monitoring the situation of their former player despite spending £84million on Ajax winger Antony.
But it was Chelsea who apparently came forward with a deadline day offer as they also closed in on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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However, Depay has now brought his transfer saga to a close.
It means Barcelona will have six star forwards competing for just three positions in Xavi Hernandez’s team.
Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha were both added to the mix for large transfer fees.
Meanwhile, Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele are also still starring at the Nou Camp.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk