Man Utd make unrealistic transfer demands for €39m flop

James Shearman

• Updated: 4 Jul 2024 17:07 CDT
• 3 min read

Manchester United are reportedly holding out for a transfer fee for Donny van de Beek.

Van de Beek signed for United for €39 million in 2020 on the back of an excellent campaign at Ajax.

He was expected to be a key player at Old Trafford for years to come but things never worked out for the Dutchman.

READ MORE: Latest Man Utd transfer rumours

He quickly fell out of favour and has barely played for the Red Devils over the past four seasons.

Indeed, he spent the second half of the last campaign on loan at Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt.

Frankfurt had an option to buy the Dutchman for €11m but there is no chance of that being met.

So, Van de Beek will return to United, who are still hoping to sell him for a transfer fee, according to the Manchester Evening News.

However, given that he has not been in good form since 2019/20 and only has one year left on his contract, this seems an unrealistic expectation.

Donny van de Beek on Ajax return

Van de Beek has not ruled out a return to Ajax, where he excelled before moving to Manchester.

"Why not? Ajax has always been a special place for me, so we certainly cannot rule that out," he previously told Dutch outlet Voetbal International.

"I have also had mixed years due to injuries. But now I’m looking forward again. If I keep working hard, I’m confident things will turn out fine.

"It is up to you to turn it around. I’m working on that. I am convinced of my own qualities. If I stay fit and keep working hard, I will definitely be fine."