For Manchester United fans this cannot have been an easy transfer window, but it appears they are closing in ox Ajax youngster, Donny van de Beek. The reported fee is £35.7 million, plus add ons, with personal terms agreed on a deal until 2025.
Watching the Jadon Sancho rumours pick up steam and then disappear must be frustrating, especially with rivals Chelsea racking up major signings. A bit of good news now, then, with Fabrizio Romano reporting a total agreement for the Ajax man.
Manchester United Close in on Donny van de Beek Signing
Under-the-Radar Ajax Star
During Ajax’s historic Champions League run two seasons ago, where they tragically lost to Tottenham Hotspur in injury time, not many took note of van de Beek.
Where Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt put themselves on alert, earning themselves big-money moves to Barcelona and Juventus respectively, the 23-year-old went under the radar.
He was linked with a number of smaller clubs but did not garner nearly any attention globally, at least compared to his two teammates. Van de Beek was actually an important part of the campaign.
The Dutchman scored vital goals against Juventus in the quarter-finals and Spurs in the semis, with each goal defining the match at least, if not the two-legged tie. His energy going forward and his ability to finish as an attacking midfielder were critical and often overlooked
Linked to Other Top Clubs as Well This Time Around
United were not the club in for van de Beek this summer, with several other major sides looking to snap him up, namely Barcelona and Spurs.
Having suffered directly at his hands in the Champions League, Tottenham know what he can do and it’s no wonder they were in talks with Ajax. Unfortunately for them, though, it seems like he is heading to Manchester.
Barca certainly need some new blood after their own Champions League humiliation, so going after van de Beek could have been a good option, but ultimately they decided against it.
There are seemingly enough numbers in midfield, including academy youngsters, to suggest that they don’t need him at Barcelona, but he certainly could be very useful at United.
The Red Devils have very little depth in midfield. Beyond Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes, creativity is lacking in the middle of the park. This move is sure to bring some more quality into the team and help them secure a top-four spot next season.
Main Photo
