Rayados de Monterrey about to sign a star from the Netherlands

The Rayados de Monterrey are one step away from securing the signing of Dutch striker Memphis Depay in what would be a blockbuster deal for the remainder of the 2024 Apertura tournament, as confirmed by the sporting director of the Monterrey squad, who also stated that another option would be the Argentine Lucas Ocampos.

Noriega explained that with the departure of the Argentine Maximiliano Meza to River Plate, a foreigner spot was opened and they obviously want to strengthen the squad, which is why they have thought of a player of the caliber of the Spaniards Sergio Canales and Oliver Torres, which is why the option of Depay is something concrete.

The Rayados manager, who has been highly questioned after the elimination in the last playoffs, is looking to find the right reinforcement for the squad of the recently hired Argentine coach Martín Demichelis, who will try to round out the weight that was not possible with his compatriot Fernando “Tano” Ortiz.

“Yes, we are looking for players with a European profile, because we believe that is what this club needs. People who are used to the rigor and demands of high-level training, to physical and nutritional demands.

And that is common in Europe. So yes, there are profiles like the ones you mentioned (Memphis Depay and Lucas Ocampos) that are on the list, from the negotiations we are carrying out, and we will see which one ends up being the case,” he responded to a direct question from the press about these two options.

In the case of Ocampos, he is a forward who emerged at River Plate and from there made the leap to Monaco, Olympique de Marseille, Genoa, Ajax and Sevilla, in his second stage with the Seville team and where he has scored almost 90 goals.

Regarding the possibility of these two players, Noriega also said: “Together with coach Martín Demichelis and the coaching staff, we decided that we are going to use the foreigner’s spot, of course, as it should be. And he is indeed a player from three quarters forward, who will help us generate more football, more imbalance, dynamic energy and generation of goal opportunities.”

Memphis Depay is currently a free agent after his contract with Atlético de Madrid ended, where he scored 9 goals in 31 games, which is why he was unable to establish himself as a starter under Diego Simeone. Now Rayo Vallecano is looking for him, but at the same time the Rayados have shown interest.

Without a doubt, Depay’s arrival, if it happens, would be one of the star signings for Monterrey and would follow in the footsteps of his compatriot Vincent Janssen. From 2019 to 2022, he played 94 games and scored 24 goals, managing to adapt to Mexican football. Now the Rayados team wants to repeat history and have the ounce that tips the balance towards winning the title.

In turn, Noriega continues to think that the option of Orbelín Pineda is not ruled out and explained the reasons for continuing to think about an agreement with AEK of Greece, the owner of his transfer: “We have not given up on the issue of Orbelín (Pineda). You (the press) know how it is, why it has become complicated and where we are. That flame is still burning, we are going to call it that. But we understand that the flame is already very short. The possibility is increasingly remote.”

Continue reading:
-“Here’s Memphis, he was also in Manchester and now we’re kissing on the mouth”: Louis van Gaal’s controversial joke at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
-“I don’t know what will happen next”: Memphis Depay leaves his future at FC Barcelona up in the air after his debut at the Qatar 2022 World Cup
-Juventus confirm their interest in Memphis Depay, who has not played for Xavi’s Barcelona