Real Madrid are lining up a move for Netherlands international Donny van de Beek, if they fail to land primary midfield target Paul Pogba from Manchester United.
According to a report from Spanish publication MARCA, as carried by The Sun, Real Madrid have identified Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek as a potential alternative, should their pursuit of Manchester United star Paul Pogba fail to come to fruition.
Real Madrid have been hyperactive in the transfer window as they look to erase the disappointment of the recently concluded season. Led by Zinedine Zidane, the Merengues have already made five signings this summer, including deals for Belgian superstar Eden Hazard and Serbian hotshot Luka Jovic.
However, Real Madrid’s spending is far from being over as Zidane eyes reinforcements in the midfield department. With Luka Modric entering the twilight of his career and Toni Kroos underwhelming last season along with the likes of Isco and Dani Ceballos, the manager is keen on adding more quality to the centre of the park.
To that end, Real Madrid have identified Manchester United’s Paul Pogba as their primary transfer target. The Frenchman has expressed a desire to leave Old Trafford this summer, handing Madrid a boost in their pursuit. But, the Red Devils are likely to demand a hefty transfer fee for the 26-year-old, which Los Blancos are unwilling to meet, having already spent close to £300 million this summer.
Moreover, with Serie A champions Juventus also in the running to sign Pogba, Real Madrid are preparing a contingency plan should they fail in their pursuit of the Frenchman. And as per the report, Ajax midfield mainstay Donny van de Beek has emerged as a viable alternative for the 26-year-old World Cup winner.
The 22-year-old van de Beek came through the youth ranks at Ajax before breaking into the senior team in 2015. The midfielder has gone from strength to strength with every passing season, notching up 31 goals and 23 assists in 138 appearances for Dutch champions.
The 2018-19 campaign was easily van de Beek’s most prolific season, as he came up with an excellent return of 17 goals and 13 assists across all competititons, helping Ajax to the Eredivisie crown and the UEFA Champions League semi-final, which has put him firmly on Real Madrid’s radar.
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 22, the Netherlands international is bound to improve and get better from hereon, making him a hugely enticing prospect with already a considerable amount of experience at the top level under his belt.
Real Madrid will be benefited greatly by the creativity and the goal-scoring ability that van de Beek would add to their midfield department. But, it remains to be seen if they decide to act on their interest in the Dutchman or continue to pursue the signature of Pogba instead.
Real Madrid are lining up a move for Netherlands international Donny van de Beek, if they fail to land primary midfield target Paul Pogba from Manchester United.
According to a report from Spanish publication MARCA, as carried by The Sun, Real Madrid have identified Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek as a potential alternative, should their pursuit of Manchester United star Paul Pogba fail to come to fruition.
Real Madrid have been hyperactive in the transfer window as they look to erase the disappointment of the recently concluded season. Led by Zinedine Zidane, the Merengues have already made five signings this summer, including deals for Belgian superstar Eden Hazard and Serbian hotshot Luka Jovic.
However, Real Madrid’s spending is far from being over as Zidane eyes reinforcements in the midfield department. With Luka Modric entering the twilight of his career and Toni Kroos underwhelming last season along with the likes of Isco and Dani Ceballos, the manager is keen on adding more quality to the centre of the park.
To that end, Real Madrid have identified Manchester United’s Paul Pogba as their primary transfer target. The Frenchman has expressed a desire to leave Old Trafford this summer, handing Madrid a boost in their pursuit. But, the Red Devils are likely to demand a hefty transfer fee for the 26-year-old, which Los Blancos are unwilling to meet, having already spent close to £300 million this summer.
Moreover, with Serie A champions Juventus also in the running to sign Pogba, Real Madrid are preparing a contingency plan should they fail in their pursuit of the Frenchman. And as per the report, Ajax midfield mainstay Donny van de Beek has emerged as a viable alternative for the 26-year-old World Cup winner.
The 22-year-old van de Beek came through the youth ranks at Ajax before breaking into the senior team in 2015. The midfielder has gone from strength to strength with every passing season, notching up 31 goals and 23 assists in 138 appearances for Dutch champions.
The 2018-19 campaign was easily van de Beek’s most prolific season, as he came up with an excellent return of 17 goals and 13 assists across all competititons, helping Ajax to the Eredivisie crown and the UEFA Champions League semi-final, which has put him firmly on Real Madrid’s radar.
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 22, the Netherlands international is bound to improve and get better from hereon, making him a hugely enticing prospect with already a considerable amount of experience at the top level under his belt.
Real Madrid will be benefited greatly by the creativity and the goal-scoring ability that van de Beek would add to their midfield department. But, it remains to be seen if they decide to act on their interest in the Dutchman or continue to pursue the signature of Pogba instead.