Donny Van De Beek’s move to Manchester United from Ajax hasn’t gone according to plan – so far. Now, Barcelona are prepared to take the Dutchman on loan and save him from spending more weeks on the bench at Old Trafford, reports Spanish media outlet Sport.
The Dutchman moved to Old Trafford in September 2020 – a year after his former teammate Frenkie De Jong completed joined Barcelona – but has been used by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sparsely. Van De Beek was previously linked with Barcelona’s rivals Real Madrid, following Ajax’s incredible semi-final run in the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League campaign.
Van De Beek recently switched his agents, much to the interest of those at the Blaugrana – says the report. He will be represented by Ali Dursun going forward, who also represents De Jong, and enjoys a cordial relationship with the Catalan club. The central midfielder wants to leave United in January, having been the subject of a failed move to Everton back in August.
However, the Blaugrana – in the midst of a financial crisis – can only sign Van De Beek temporarily in the winter. The club will attempt to put a clause in the deal with a view towards a permanent move in the future, nonetheless.
The midfielder has found game-time hard to come by since his 40 million pounds move to United. He played only 19 times in the league in his first season, only four of which were starts. He scored a single goal – on his debut, in a defeat against Crystal Palace – and provided just one assist.
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The 24-year-old was, however, used much more frequently in Europe, as Solskjaer’s side dropped down to the UEFA Europa League from the Champions League. He ended the season with 36 appearances to his name in all competitions.
Things haven’t improved for Van De Beek this season. Despite Solskjaer opting to block his transfer to Everton, the midfielder has only made three appearances, out of which just one has been in the league and as a substitute.
