Choosing Manchester United over Real Madrid was a transfer disaster
Choosing Manchester United over Real Madrid was a transfer disaster – Donny van de Beek’s ongoing struggles have persisted since his departure from Manchester United on loan during the January transfer window, marking a challenging three-and-a-half years since leaving Ajax.
In a revealing interview shortly after his move to Manchester United from Ajax, the 25-year-old disclosed, “Everything was agreed with Real Madrid, but it fell through.”
Ten Hag’s appointment did not improve Van de Beek’s fortunes. (Image: 2023 Allstar)
Expressing his frustration, he reflected on the missed opportunity, suggesting it was due to the club’s inability to sell planned players.
Initially eyeing a move to Real Madrid, Van de Beek’s transition to Old Trafford became a transfer of convenience for all parties involved. Manchester United’s pursuit of Jack Grealish and James Maddison’s high valuation led to Van de Beek’s availability at £35 million, rising to £40 million.
Despite former Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar’s plea to “take good care of our Donny, and help him dream,” the player’s time in Manchester has evolved into a nightmare.
Arriving amidst high expectations, Van de Beek struggled to secure a consistent starting role under four different managers. His recent move on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt for the remainder of the season, with an option to buy, hasn’t provided the anticipated respite.
The Dutch midfielder faced disappointment with an early substitution, an unused substitute role, and exclusion from Eintracht’s Europa Conference League squad, underscoring the depth of his challenges.
The fall from grace for Van de Beek, once a sought-after talent by Real Madrid, is evident. Emerging from Ajax’s academy, he played a pivotal role in their impressive 2018/19 campaign, reaching the Champions League semi-finals.
Despite the excitement surrounding his transfer to Manchester United, questions arose about his playing position alongside the presence of Bruno Fernandes.
Struggles persisted as Van de Beek made only 15 starts in his debut season, and subsequent efforts to impress were hindered by managerial changes.
Loaned to Everton for a brief period, he encountered limited game time due to a thigh injury. A return to Manchester United and Ralf Rangnick’s interim tenure did not yield significant improvements, leading to Van de Beek’s loan to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Despite being touted as a fantastic team player by Rangnick, Van de Beek’s impact at Everton was minimal.
His stint in Frankfurt, aiming for a career revival, has faced setbacks with injuries and limited playing opportunities.
The talented midfielder, once sought by major clubs, now confronts uncertainties about his future.
With a contract until 2025, negotiations for a permanent transfer loom, and the likelihood of a move to a club of lower stature seems imminent.
Donny van de Beek’s journey underscores the challenges of transitioning from a promising talent to finding one’s rightful place in the footballing landscape.
