Donny van de Beek reportedly wants to quit Manchester United following a disappointing debut season with the club, the midfielder having struggled for opportunities since his summer signing from Ajax.
Van de Beek emerged as one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe after helping Ajax to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2018/19, but his move to the Premier League has proven frustrating as he has failed to win favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The 23-year-old has started just twice in the Premier League this season and is now understood to be keen on an exit in search of regular first-team football, the Netherlands international unlikely to be short of suitors this summer.
So for those of you interested in online sports betting, here are the five favourites to sign Donny van de Beek:
Any MLS club
Ranking fifth amongst the bookmakers is a potential move to the United States for Van de Beek, a move to any MLS side regarded as 16/1 odds for the midfielder.
Whilst the league continues to grow it would still represent a significant step down in quality for the player at present, whilst it appears unlikely any American side would have the finances to prise the star away from Old Trafford.
Van de Beek’s signing is understood to have cost the Red Devils in the region of £40m, more than double the current MLS transfer record that saw Ezequiel Barco sign for Atlanta United from Independiente.
AC Milan
AC Milan are priced at 12/1 to secure a deal, with the Rossoneri having enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance this season after a decade of underachievement at the San Siro.
Milan currently sit second in the Serie A title race and look on course for a return to the Champions League, a scenario which would hand the seven-time European champions greater finances and appeal to attract new talent.
Hakan Calhanoglu has starred for Stefano Pioli’s side this season and leads Italy’s top tier for assists, key passes and shot-creating actions, though his future remains uncertain with the Turkey international yet to sign a new deal.
Calhanoglu’s contract expires this summer and he will be free to walk away on a free transfer, a situation that would leave Milan with a huge need for creative reinforcements in midfield.
Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain are amongst the favourites to sign the Manchester United midfielder, with former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino having reportedly tracked the Dutchman during his time in charge of the north London side.
Pochettino’s side currently trail Lille in the title race and the club’s project may be in need of freshening, whilst the Argentine will be keen to implement his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation as PSG move away from the 4-4-2 often used under predecessor Thomas Tuchel.
Van de Beek’s ability to play as part of a two-man pivot or in the advanced central role adds to his appeal as the Parisians consider their options this summer, with uncertain futures surrounding several of the club’s current midfield options including the out-of-contract Julian Draxler.
Inter Milan
Van de Beek was linked with a move to Inter Milan during the winter window with the Italian league leaders known admirers of the player, tentative speculation having even suggested the possibility of a loan swap deal involving Christian Eriksen.
Antonio Conte is keen to add to his midfield options and Van de Beek could add some much-needed creativity and goal threat to the Inter engine room, with Nicolo Barella the club’s highest-scoring midfielder with just three for the season so far.
Eriksen’s turnaround in fortunes has added some invention to the side but there remains questions over the club’s ability to compete at the highest level, their disappointing Champions League campaign demonstrating the need for reinforcements.
Ajax
Could the midfielder return to former side Ajax?
Van de Beek had appeared to have outgrown the Eredivisie during his time with the Amsterdam outfit, joining the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt in leaving Erik ten Hag’s exciting side for one of European football’s giants.
That move has failed to work out so far, though Ajax would likely welcome back the midfielder with open arms, should the club be able to strike a deal with Manchester United.
Ajax have raised more than £110m from player sales over the past year following the departures of Hakim Ziyech, Sergino Dest, Quincy Promes and Van de Beek, the sales of those stars perhaps providing the Dutch side with the finances for the latter’s return.
Re-signing for Ajax may look a backward step for Van de Beek, but it would provide the star with a familiar environment and regular first-team football as he looks to relaunch his stalling career.
Coupled with an opportunity to win silverware, it could be the perfect move following the disappointment of his Premier League venture.
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