When Manchester United secured the signature of Donny van de Beek from Ajax in the summer of 2020, it was seen as a major coup.
Van de Beek was fresh off a season with the Dutch club in which he was pivotal in their journey to the Champions League semi-final in 2019.
Even though United had signed Bruno Fernandes six months prior to the Dutchman's arrival, Van de Beek's ability to play in a variety of midfield positions was seen as a boost. Not only would he be able to come in for Fernandes when he needed a rest, but he could also play a deeper role and be the creative force the club needed as Paul Pogba struggled to bring his international form for France to the Premier League.
It started off so well, with Van de Beek scoring on his debut against Crystal Palace.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wasn't convinced him to hand him regular game time. And even though Van de Beek made 36 appearances across five competitions last season, the majority came off the bench.
It is a pattern that has continued this season, making only two starts in a total of three appearances, and the English experiment seems to be drawing to a disappointing conclusion for the 24-year-old. Here is everything you need to know surrounding Van de Beek's future:
He's not happy
Van de Beek has tried to remain all smiles when pictured in training or when the camera pans to him during games.
However, it's natural for that happiness to fade as he continues to be overlooked for games — as seen with Van de Beek's furious reaction to being unused against Villarreal — and Solskjaer has admitted that the player has grown frustrated over his lack of gametime, though did praise his attitude.
“Donny is still working hard. I understand Donny, he is frustrated and disappointed [about his lack of game time]. But he continues to work every day with a big smile," Solskjaer told Dutch television's RTL7 midway through October.
Read the full story here.
A new agent
Van de Beek has brought in new representation in an attempt to find a new club.
Ali Dursun has been hired according to Voetball International , via the Mirror, to secure a future outside of Old Trafford.
Newcastle United and Barcelona are believed to be among the interested clubs in the Dutchman while Everton may revive their interest after failing to sign him on loan during the summer.
Read the full story here
Spain bound?
With a new agent secured, reports have suggested Van de Beek could heading to La Liga to join the club he almost signed for prior to arriving at United.
It is believed a move to Real Madrid was on the cards until the club pulled out citing lack of finances as the reason.
But with the move to Old Trafford deemed a failure, it could be second time lucky for Madrid as they enter the fray to sign him according to a report by Defensa Central, as cited by the Daily Star.
Read the full story here.
Three clubs agree loan terms
Van de Beek will almost certainly get his wish to leave United on loan as three clubs have provisionally agreed on terms of a loan, all that is remaining is for the Dutchman to choose his preferred location/
It's understood that Crystal Palace are one of the clubs as well as another Premier League club and an unknown overseas club.
You can get all the details here.
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