It could be a busy January transfer window at Old Trafford with a couple of out-of-favour players likely to move on. Fabrizio Romano reveals that there is significant interest, from clubs across Europe, in Dutch international Donny van de Beek.
Donny van de Beek Attracting Interest After Failure to Launch United Career
£39 Million and 62 Appearances – Van De Beek Did Not Adapt at Old Trafford
After starring for an Ajax side that reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019, European clubs were lining up a move for the attacking midfielder. Manchester United secured his signature in the summer of 2020, and there were high expectations after his excellent performances in the Eredivisie.
The 26-year-old had a knack for scoring important goals including the opener in the 2-1 victory over Juventus in the 2019 Champions League quarter-finals and also the winner at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in the subsequent semi-final. His work-rate and ability in both boxes made him one of the most highly-rated box-to-box midfielders in world football.
However, after just two goals and two assists it is time for Van de Beek to move on to resurrect his career. It might be worth mentioning that his game time has been limited to just six Premier League starts over more than three years since his arrival at the Red Devils and it appears that the transfer was just not the right fit for the club or the player.
Injuries have also affected his availability but he has failed to prove his worth whenever he has been given the opportunity either in the starting lineup or when coming on as a substitute.
La Liga and Bundesliga Clubs Interested
There is still a possibility that Van de Beek can make his mark elsewhere. He also impressed former Everton manager Frank Lampard during his short loan spell at Goodison Park in 2022. Lampard labeled him a “top player” and ‘“really intelligent” as the Dutchman broke into the starting lineup before an injury ruled him out for the season.
Romano has revealed that surprise La Liga leaders Girona have asked for Van de Beek on a loan deal, but Eintracht Frankfurt are favourites for his signature at the moment. There is a route to regular football with both sides for the midfielder so it is likely that a deal will be made in January.
It may benefit both parties, with the player’s deal set to run until 2025 at least. If he can secure regular football, the Red Devils may be able to command a transfer fee for his departure in the summer transfer window.
Girona are part of the City football club, the holding company that owns city rivals Manchester City. They currently lead La Liga in just their second season back in the top flight and secured an incredible 4-2 win at the Nou Camp recently. Frankfurt are the frontrunners and can offer European football, having progressed from the group stage of the Europa Conference League.
At the moment, it remains to be seen where the former Ajax man is set to ply his trade next.
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