Why Van de Beek picked Everton for loan switch
Robin Bairner
- 2 Feb 2022 13:34 GMT
- 3 min read
Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek was one of the hottest properties in the January transfer window and it was Everton who ultimately landed him.
A move for the Netherlands international midfielder was inevitable last month. Having pushed to leave Old Trafford in the summer, he was ultimately retained after being offered additional game time.
This did not come, either under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or current boss Ralf Rangnick, so with the World Cup looming at the end of the year, Van de Beek ultimately shook himself free from the shackles of Old Trafford.
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Numerous Premier League clubs were said to be interested in him. Newcastle and Crystal Palace were among those he reportedly rebuffed before switching to Everton.
He has revealed that it was a late call on his part to move to the Goodison Park side, fuelled by the presence of their new manager, Frank Lampard, who was only appointed shortly before the transfer deadline.
“The conversation with Frank Lampard was important for me to choose Everton - was really positive. He told me that we can do a great job together, we've same football ideas,” Van de Beek explained.
Will Van de Beek be a hit at Everton?
The move, however, could be a complicated one.
When Van de Beek signed for the Toffees, he was primed to be their standout midfield player, yet they subsequently made a move for Tottenham’s Dele Alli. Though out of form and, therefore, a free transfer, big things are hoped for from the England international.
Unfortunately for the former Ajax man, Alli will be direct competition for his spot in the team as both like to play a similar role.
Hitting the ground running, then, will be important for Van de Beek, else he could find himself similarly peripheral at Everton as he has done at Manchester United.
