Van de Beek linked with shock transfer to replace all-time Premier League great

Robin Bairner

Updated: 29 Jul 2023 09:23 BST
3 min read

Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek has been given another possible exit route from the club this summer, with reports in Spain suggesting that Real Sociedad are ready to move for the Netherlands international.

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Manager Erik ten Hag sees his former Ajax player as surplus to requirements in the Red Devils’ stacked midfield, where Mason Mount’s arrival has pushed him further down the pecking order this summer.

Man Utd are also seeking a green light to sign Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina, for which they require both funds and space in their squad. Both of these targets are aided should Van de Beek leave.

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Van de Beek a David Silva replacement?

Real Sociedad are scrambling for a creative presence in their midfield following the retirement of Manchester City legend David Silva, who suffered a serious knee injury in pre-season. Consequently, Noticias de Gipuzkoa reports that they have asked Man Utd about the prospect of signing Van de Beek.

Man Utd are set to be offered the chance to loan the midfielder out with a mandatory purchase option next summer. It is stated by the Basque source that Sociedad are only willing to put €10 million on the table for Van de Beek, which will naturally raise questions about the possibility of a deal.

United have already rebuffed an offer from Ajax for the midfielder, with the Old Trafford side holding out for a bid of around €23 million (£20m), which would go someway into eating into the transfer fee of Amrabat, which is slated around the €30m mark.

With the takeover of the Premier League club stalling, their transfer funds have been limited and even a relatively modest deal such as this would open up welcome new possibilities on the market for the manager, with Amrabat firmly in his sights.

While Van de Beek is unlikely to go to Real Sociedad with the terms that they have offered, Ten Hag will welcome more interest in the midfielder, whose time with Man Utd has been an undoubted disappointment.

Even if he is to leave on loan, shedding his wages would be useful to the Red Devils, who are also actively looking to sell Fred and will consider large bids for Scott McTominay.