MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 24: Donny Van De Beek of Manchester United reacts during the UEFA Champions League Group H stage match between Manchester United and İstanbul Basaksehir at Old Trafford on November 24, 2020 in Manchester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
According to Calciomercato (h/t Daily Star), Juventus are planning to sign Manchester United new boy Donny van de Beek next summer. Reports say that Juve are thinking about a loan-to-buy deal for €35million. It has been said that manager Andrea Pirlo is a huge admirer of the Dutchman and believes he can use his talents in a better way.
A product of the widely-revered Ajax youth system, Donny van de Beek made his first-team debut for the Dutch giants back during the 2015-16 campaign. He eventually established himself as one of the mainstays of Ajax’s midfield in the following campaign, featuring prominently en route the club’s march to the final of the 2016-17 UEFA Europa League.
Van de Beek soon carved out a reputation for himself as one of the most dynamic goal-scoring midfielders in the Eredivisie before showcasing his vast potential on the continental stage.
The Dutchman was one of the key architects of Ajax’s fairytale march to the semi-final of the 2018-19 Champions League, where he caught the eye and contributed with 3 goals and 2 assists in 12 appearances.
The 23-year-old boasts an impressive tally of 41 goals and 34 assists in 175 appearances for Ajax across all competitions. Eventually, Manchester United signed him this season and he has made 13 appearances for them so far. Van de Beek has slowly made his way into the national team having 10 caps for the Netherlands to date.
It has been a curious case for Van de Beek at United so far. Signed for £35.7million, it was expected that he would be a regular starter for the club this season. However, that has not been the case, with just one start afforded to him in the league. In six substitute appearances, he has played a ridiculous 85 minutes. However, he has been given 3 starts in the Champions League and twice in the EFL Cup.
The biggest question is, despite showing how good he can play in those cameo appearances, why is he not being given starts in the league. Honestly, United have struggled on a lot of occasions in the league this season, where someone like Van de Beek could have swung the tide in their favour.
He is a nifty player who can play those accurate short passes, squeeze the ball out of pressure situations and resist opposition press. In the limited opportunities he has been given, he has shown that he has what it takes to start in the midfield.
Yes, Manchester United have an overstocked midfield but truth be told, other than Fernandes, Fred and McTominay, no one can claim that they deserve a starting role.
With Pogba not in the best of forms and his future always a topic of discussion, Van de Beek needs to be given more chances, especially in the league. Manchester United would legitimately be crazy to even think of entertaining Juve’s offer of a transfer. They have a genuine gem of a midfielder in hand who they cannot afford to let go just after a season.
