Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek has reportedly given the green light to a transfer to La Liga outfit Real Sociedad, who want the 26-year-old in a loan-to-buy deal.
Manchester United’s fringe midfielder Donny van de Beek has been the subject of strong interest from La Liga side Real Sociedad in recent days. And according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the player is “keen on the move and attracted by Real Sociedad project.”
The Italian journalist also stresses that negotiations are well underway. But no agreement has been reached on the deal. The Red Devils have already bolstered their midfield department with the acquisition of Mason Mount from Chelsea. But Erik ten Hag is adamant that more reinforcements are required. Last season, United struggled when Casemiro and Christian Eriksen were suspended.
The club also failed to control the proceedings in games against the top ten on the road. The Dutchman wants to resolve these problems and has earmarked Sofyan Amrabat as an ideal fit. But for the Moroccan to arrive, Manchester United will need to raise funds through player sales after exhausting their summer transfer budget.
One player who has been strongly linked with a move away is Donny van de Beek. The Dutch midfielder has endured a nightmarish time since his €39 million move to Old Trafford in 2020. He came off the bench and scored in his competitive debut for United in their 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.
Real Sociedad and Manchester United are still negotiating for van de Beek 🇳🇱
Discussion ongoing about loan fee, how to cover Donny’s salary and also option to buy clause in 2024.
Understand van de Beek’s keen on the move and attracted by Real Sociedad project. pic.twitter.com/TLk2LJ7uvS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2023
However, his involvement went on to become very sporadic, as he has racked up just 60 appearances over the past three seasons, having largely struggled to adapt to the Premier League in addition to a fair share of injury issues. A loan move to Everton failed to reignite his fortunes, and after an injury-hit season last time out, it now seems Manchester United are ready to cut their losses with van de Beek and sanction a sale this summer.
As a result, he could be shown the exit door in the coming weeks. And Real Sociedad have identified him as one of their top targets as they look to strengthen their midfield. The Basque outfit have already received the green light from the player, but a deal remains complicated due to the transfer demands on the table from United.
The Red Devils would like to part ways with the midfielder on a permanent basis this summer, with a price tag of just over €20 million placed on the player’s proverbial head. However, La Real are looking at an operation that would see the 26-year-old join them on loan with an option to buy at the end of his temporary stint.
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As things stand, Manchester United and Real Sociedad are trying to reach an agreement over the loan fee, how much of the player’s hefty salary the Spanish outfit would have to cover, and the amount of the purchase option. That said, there is a good possibility that the midfielder could be lining up in La Liga next season now that player is leaning towards the transfer move.
