Real Madrid distance themselves from Donny van de Beek

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 27: Donny van de Beek of Ajax during the UEFA Europa League match between Ajax v Getafe at the Johan Cruijff Arena on February 27, 2020 in Amsterdam Netherlands (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 27: Donny van de Beek of Ajax during the UEFA Europa League match between Ajax v Getafe at the Johan Cruijff Arena on February 27, 2020 in Amsterdam Netherlands (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)

The Real Madrid target has garnered interest from Manchester United.

Real Madrid have informed Donny van de Beek that they are no longer seeking his services and the Ajax midfielder could weigh up other transfer options this summer, as per De Telegraaf(via Football Oranje).

Previously, Los Blancos were said to have reached consensus with AFC Ajax for Van de Beek in a deal worth 55 million Euros. With personal terms being agreed, the Dutch international was considered a medical away from being unveiled as a Galactico with transfer deemed to be “unofficially confirmed“.

However, the transfer saga took a sensational U-turn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as Real Madrid have been hit financially due to an abrupt pause of the footballing action and their commitment towards modifying the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

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Also, given the bloated size of the first-team squad, Los Merengues need to vacate spots by selling some of their superstars contracted to upscale paychecks. Considering the current economic climate, no club is willing to bear such financial responsibilities at the moment, meaning that Fiorentino Perez is stuck with his current crop of players.

Therefore, Real Madrid have pulled the plug on Donny van de Beek transfer this summer. After earlier reports of this emerging from Spain, Dutch media have briefed on similar lines today. De Telegraaf’s Valentijn Driessen said-

"“I now hear that Real Madrid is backtracking. The chance that he will go to Real Madrid is nil.”“The transfer fee was fixed. He was allowed to go for €50m. In fact, everything was round. It was only about the medical examination. Real Madrid has many expensive players. They also [continue to] renovate the stadium. That costs €300m and they have €300m. When they buy players, they get players that they know are there right away and that are interesting from a marketing perspective.”"

Monitoring the situation very closely, Ed Woodward, Manchester United CEO, began initial level dialogues with his Ajax counterpart, Edwin van der Sar, to fathom the possibility of Donny van de Beek choosing Old Trafford as his next destination.

Citing the cordial relations of Van der Sar and Woodward since the former’s playing days at Old Trafford, the talks went smoothly and the player was also said to be excited with a prospect of testing himself in the Premier League.

Edwin van der Sar confirmed Man United’s interest in Donny van de Beek by saying-

"“It’s clear that clubs like Real Madrid and United are showing interest in Donny van de Beek.” (quote from NOS via MEN)"

Despite encouraging round of discussions, no concrete establishment was made between United, Ajax, or player’s entourage. It’s understood that Man United place Van de Beek lower in their transfer list for this summer with priority lying elsewhere- namely Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish.

However, in our previous article, we mentioned about Solskjaer’s desire to reinforce his attacking midfield options. For Van de Beek, Man United were keen to spend around 40 million Euros. With Real Madrid pulling out of the race, let’s see where Donny van de Beek starts his next campaign.

Where do you reckon Donny van De Beek will play next season?