Man Utd star’s best transfer option is to join Ronaldo at Al-Nassr

Robin Bairner

1 Dec 2023 03:23 CST
3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo, Saoedi-Arabië, Al-Nassr, WK 2030, WK-bid Saoedi-Arabië — © ProShots

Manchester United want to wash their hands of numerous players during the January transfer window, but perhaps none more so than midfielder Donny van de Beek.

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The former Ajax star has had a nightmare time at Old Trafford since moving in 2020, struggling between a combination of injuries and a lack of form.

Van Beek’s fortunes were expected to pick up with the arrival of Erik ten Hag last summer, yet has managed only 315 minutes of action since, including just two Premier League minutes this term.

His valuation has tumbled as a consequence and even the player has admitted that a move is likely required to kickstart his career.

Speaking to Diario AS, he said: “The time comes when a decision has to be made. I have to start playing games very soon, if it’s not possible at United, then I will go to another club.

“I think this is a healthy ambition. I make a good living at United, but money has never been my motivation.”

Saudi move best for Donny

Even if he is not driven by money, Van de Beek’s best option could be to follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr.

Saudi Pro League teams are among a glut of second-tier European sides that have been tracking the 26-year-old, but according to data analytics firm SciSports, Al-Nassr offer the Netherlands international the best outlet.

Seeking playing time, Van de Beek is advised to move to the Saudi giants, who have a Club Fit score of 88 assigned to them by SciSports.

They offer him more opportunities to develop than other such options, plus he would enjoy the exposure of playing with a world-class star like Ronaldo.

Even when taking into account a more balanced view, whereby Van de Beek is seeking to juggle playing time and the ambition of playing at a high level, Al-Nassr rate very well.

© ProShots - Van de Beek's transfer options when pursuing a balanced move

Indeed, they come third behind PSV and Bayern Munich, offering significantly more playing opportunities than either of those clubs.

Bayern would offer him the most potential to grow as a player, but after discovering the discomfort of sitting on the bench for extended periods at Man Utd, it would be a surprising move if he were to elect to transfer to a club with one of the most competitive midfields in world football.

Having seen the experience of Ryan Gravenberch, his former Ajax teammate at the Allianz Arena, he certainly has cause to think twice.

And PSV would be a controversial move given Van de Beek’s historic links with rivals Ajax.

Al-Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo, then, seems the most logical way out of his Man Utd bind.