Donny van de Beek could be on his way out of Ajax this summer, but where is his most likely destination? We look at the possible options for the 24-year-old.
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Real Madrid
The club that have been linked with Van de Beek most is Real Madrid, who have been following the midfielder for over a year.
Reports in the Netherlands and in Spain have confirmed the interest, and some reports even stated that a €55 million fee has been agreed for months. All that is missing is for Real Madrid to give the green light.
However, the deal is now in doubt, not only because of the corona virus crisis. According to Mundo Deportivo, Real manager Zinedine Zidane is reportedly not a big fan of the deal, and is instead pushing for the club to go ahead and sign Paul Pogba.
Van de Beek has always denied that a deal has been in place with Real Madrid, despite the constant rumours.
Manchester United
The other club that has always been in the running for van de Beek is Manchester United, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly a big fan of the Dutch international.
The Premier League giants could lose Pogba this summer and reportedly see Van de Beek as the perfect replacement for the Frenchman. Mundo Deportivo have also reported that talks have taken place between United and Ajax.
However, the deal would depend on Manchester United selling Pogba, and with their debts rising, could they afford Ajax’s asking price for van de Beek this summer?
Newcastle United
According to reports in France and England, Newcastle United are now one of the club’s waiting in the wings for Van de Beek.
The Premier League side are about to be taken over by a Saudi Arabian consortium and would become the richest club in England. A summer transfer spree could then unfold with van de Beek reportedly one of their targets, according to Le10 Sport and the Express.
Newcastle would have no issue with Ajax’s asking price, and would be a very interesting project for van de Beek, with the club hoping to join the top six in the Premier League.
Georginio Wijnaldum starred for the Magpies after leaving PSV Eindhoven, and van de Beek could be the next Dutchman to pull on the black and white stripes. However, van de Beek would have to contend with no European football next season, with the club unlikely to reach the Europa League, unless they won the FA Cup this season.
Everton
Another option in the Premier League is Everton, who are also backed by a wealthy owner.
The same report that states Newcastle are interested has also put Everton forward, with former PSV Eindhoven technical director Marcel Brands in charge of transfers at the club.
Brands knows van de Beek well and sees the Dutchman as the perfect recruit for their ageing midfield. The transfer fee should be no issue for the club, who are managed by Italian legend Carlo Ancelotti.
Staying at Ajax
Ajax have reportedly agreed with van de Beek that he could leave this summer if the right offer comes in. However, with the corona virus causing havoc to club’s finances, it is not to be ruled out that van de Beek remains in Amsterdam.
Hakim Ziyech has already departed, while Nicolas Tagliafico and Andre Onana have both stated their wishes to leave this summer. Marc Overmars will not want an exodus and will stick to the asking price for van de Beek.
Should no club put up the money, then van de Beek could remain for another season, where he would likely become one of the leaders in Erik ten Hag’s side.
Van de Beek would not be guaranteed playing time at a club such as Real Madrid and Manchester United, and with the Euro’s now next summer, he could decide staying in Amsterdam is better for his prospects of making Ronald Koeman’s squad.
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