Manchester United are purportedly considering a loan move for Donny van de Beek, with Turkish sides Galatasaray and Fenerbahce emerging as the leading contenders for the central midfielder’s signature. The Dutch talent finds himself out of Erik ten Hag’s immediate plans at Old Trafford, a fact underlined by his omission from the Champions League group stage squad, signposting his likely exit.
Despite the Premier League transfer window already being closed, van de Beek could find a lifeline in Turkey, given that their transfer deadline is set for September 15.
ESPN sources suggest that while Manchester United initially viewed the midfielder as a potential asset for generating a significant transfer fee this summer, the reality proved different. A potential move to Lorient didn’t come to fruition as the window drew to a close.
It’s understood that United had an initial preference to offload van de Beek permanently. However, with the transfer clock ticking and limited options available, the club is reportedly open to a loan move. They’re keen to incorporate a mandatory buy clause in such a deal, though it remains uncertain if either Galatasaray or Fenerbahce would consent to such stipulations.
This summer has already seen United engage in transfer dealings with Fenerbahce, having sold Brazilian midfielder Fred to them and subsequently acquiring the services of shot-stopper Altay Bayindir. Meanwhile, Galatasaray isn’t idle either, recently procuring Tottenham Hotspur’s Tanguy Ndombele on loan. Yet, they seem to retain interest in van de Beek.
Van de Beek, who unfortunately suffered a severe knee injury causing him to miss a chunk of the previous season, participated in United’s pre-season preparations for 2023-24. Since his transfer from Ajax in September 2020, the Dutch midfielder has found it challenging to cement a place at Old Trafford, contributing just two goals and a pair of assists in 60 outings.
During the recent transfer period, Manchester United strengthened their midfield roster. They brought Chelsea’s Mason Mount into their ranks and acquired Sofyan Amrabat on loan from Fiorentina. Meanwhile, Scott McTominay, amidst some transfer rumours, has committed his immediate future to the Red Devils and is expected to assume a rotational role for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
