Man Utd start 'formal contact' for transfer of star midfielder
Tom Weber
- 1 Aug 2023 21:24 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United and Real Sociedad have begun formal talks over the potential transfer of Donny van de Beek, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Dutch midfielder has endured a torrid time at Old Trafford following his €39 million move in 2020, which looked to be great value for money on paper. His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) sat north of €50m back then, but just like his form, his stocks have fallen off a cliff and have now hit a new nadir of €13.3m.
Injuries and a lack of continuity in the coaching department at United have stolen valuable years from his career, but not even Erik ten Hag - with whom the 26-year-old enjoyed so much success at Ajax - was able to help Van de Beek get back to his best as the Dutchman was sidelined with injury for much of Ten Hag's first season in charge.
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It has become clear to Van de Beek that he needs a change of scenery this summer and he recently emerged as a surprise target for Real Sociedad, who just lost the legendary David Silva due to his decision to retire after sustaining an ACL injury.
Talks opened
La Real initiated contact with the midfielder's camp last week and Fabrizio Romano now reports that formal talks between the Basque club and United have officially started.
"Clubs now discussing formula and terms of the deal. It will depend on conditions decided by United," writes the Italian. The idea, at least according to last week's reports, was a loan transfer with an option to buy.
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Real Sociedad have made a name for themselves in recent years as being a club that can help players revive their careers. Alexander Isak, Martin Odegaard, Alexander Sorloth and former United wonderkid Adnan Januzaj all enjoyed productive spells in San Sebastian in recent years.
With Champions League football to look forward to this season, Erreala are trying to make some statement signings. RB Leipzig's best-paid player Andre Silva is reportedly heading on loan to the Anoeta Stadium and Van de Beek is supposed to follow suit.
