Reports are coming in of a potential move for Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek to Real Madrid. A move for the former Ajax star to Bernabeu had previously looked all set in January 2020, following a breakout 2019 season with Ajax, where the club reached the Champions League semi-finals and secured the Dutch league title. However, the deal fell through in its final stages due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and Manchester United swooped in to sign the Dutch midfielder for a reported sum of €40m in the subsequent summer transfer window.
Van de Beek’s move to Old Trafford has been far from successful. The Dutchman has played only 1510 minutes in 38 appearances for the club, averaging 40 minutes per appearance as of September 14, 2021, via OptaJoe Twitter. The current 2021/22 season stats are even more dismal, where he has made only five appearances, with a total of 154 minutes.
The 24-year-old has a contract running with the Red Devils until June 2025, but due to his lack of minutes, his transfer value has dipped. As a result, this has brought about his exclusion from the Dutch national side as well. Despite his struggles, several suitors are tracking his situation.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes (via The Sun), Real Madrid are lining up a cut-price deal to obtain the Dutchman’s services. VDB didn’t appear to be involved in Solskjaer’s plans as the Norwegian preferred to opt for the midfield duo of Fred and McTominay. However, the situation might change with Solskjaer getting sacked and Carrick taking over as interim manager.
According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid are prepared to offer Donny van de Beek a route out of #MUFC…
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 16, 2021
Nevertheless, a move for Donny van de Beek to Real Madrid may seem to make sense as the player is also reportedly keen to make a fresh start after his woes at Old Trafford. This potential move further merits some discussion, as the situation at Bernabeu is also favourable.
Both Real Madrid stars Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, 31 and 36 years of age respectively, are bordering on the end of their successful careers. The club will be planning to phase out the midfielders gradually while making way for the younger generation.
Real Madrid have already signed young Frenchman Eduardo Camavinga, who is recognised as one of the stars for the future with massive upside potential. With Camavinga being more of a balanced all-round type of midfielder and Van de Beek being more of an attacking midfielder, this could turn out to be a generational pairing for Real Madrid in midfield. Not forgetting the 23-year-old Uruguayan midfielder Frederico Valverde who could also be thrown into the mix.
The 24-year-old Dutchman was once highly regarded as one of the future stars of football after brilliant performances for Ajax, namely the Champions League winner against Juventus that took the Dutch champions to the semi-finals.
He is well known for his creative ability, accurate ing, steady link-up play and his strong ball retention qualities that allow him to protect the ball in tight situations and retain possession. Clubs have certainly not forgotten the potential that Van de Beek holds, with him also linking a move back to home club Ajax. Premier League clubs such as Wolves, Newcastle, and Arsenal, have all been tipped to make a move for the Dutch midfielder in the January transfer window.
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All the above factors create a scenario where the ball is in Real Madrid’s court. However, it is still unclear as to whether Manchester United would accept a low-ball offer for Van de Beek, especially with the recent change in management.
As of now, it is up to the Spanish giants to decide how much they would be willing to offer to secure his services. It remains to be seen whether a move for Donny van de Beek to Real Madrid could happen, but it is safe to say that his once-promising career may still yet bloom.
Stay tuned for more latest Manchester United transfer updates.
