Real Madrid are reportedly considering a summer move for Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek, should their pursuit of Manchester United star Paul Pogba fail.
According to a report from Spanish publication MARCA, La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid are eyeing Ajax and Netherlands star Donny van de Beek as a possible alternative to primary summer transfer target Paul Pogba.
Manchester United superstar Pogba has emerged as a key target for Real Madrid heading into the next season, as they look to revamp a struggling midfield unit. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are looking past their prime, while the likes of Dani Ceballos and Isco haven’t been able to make the impact that had been expected of them.
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is admittedly a huge admirer of the 26-year-old Pogba, who has also made his desire known of wanting to play for the Merengues. The midfielder was even reported to have told his friends and teammates that he will be leaving Manchester United for the Spanish capital club in the summer.
Manchester United do not intend to sell their prized asset in the summer, but would reportedly entertain offers around the £155 million mark, should Pogba decide to force through a move.
However, with Real Madrid set to invest heavily in another of their targets, Eden Hazard, the club are pondering over spending extravagantly over Pogba as well. Moreover, Los Blancos are also believed to be apprehensive about the Frenchman’s wage demands, as they seek to keep captain Sergio Ramos as their top earner.
This has led to them eyeing a possible move for Ajax midfield sensation Donny van de Beek, who will be available for a third of the price Manchester United are demanding for Pogba. The 22-year-old is valued at €60 million by the Dutch heavyweights and his modest wages make him an appealing target for Los Blancos.
Van de Beek has been with Ajax since 2008 and has gone on to establish himself as a key member of the team since making his debut back in 2015. The midfielder is enjoying a prolific 2018-19 campaign, in which he has scored 16 goals and set up 12 more from 54 matches in all competitions, including a goal apiece in their Champions League clashes against Juventus and Tottenham.
Van de Beek’s agent, Rob Witschge, is the same man who helped Wesley Sneijder seal a move to Real Madrid from Ajax back in 2007 and the Merengues are hoping to utilise that relationship to get the transfer over the line. However, they will have to be wary of the interest from PSG and Bayern Munich.
Van de Beek has a contract with Ajax till 2022, but the prospect of playing for Real Madrid is sure to appeal to him. At €60 million, the 22-year-old would prove to be a good investment for the Spanish heavyweights, keeping in line with their recent recruitment policy of signing young talents with immense potential.
It remains to be seen if they press ahead with their pursuit of him or decide to invest heavily on Pogba itself.