Crystal Palace Close to Signing Manchester United Midfielder
By Amol Sehgal
Crystal Palace are in touch with Manchester United to sign Donny Van De Beek on a loan deal till the end of the season. The Dutchman, who turns 25 in April this year, was signed by United last year by ex-manager Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer, and has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford.
Van De Beek has only managed a grand total of 380 minutes this season, and the change in management at United hasn’t helped Van De Beek’s case either. Two goals, and two assists in one-and-a-half season isn’t the return either would have hoped for when the Dutchman put pen to paper last summer.
Struggling To Find A Place in the Netherlands National Squad
The Dutchman hasn’t been selected for the national squad since Louis Van Gaal took over, who’s made it clear that Van De Beek’s to need to play more regularly if he is to have a chance of making it to the Dutch National Squad for the World Cup in November this year. After Van the 24-year-old missed out on making the Dutch national squad for the round of international matches in September, 2021, Van Gaal told the reporters:
"“I called Donny van de Beek yesterday. I told him that he needs to start playing games.“I did not speak with any manager of my players. Maybe it’s logical to talk with them, but I haven’t done it.“I spoke (with Van de Beek) last night for 45 minutes, but I am not going to tell you anything. This is between Donny and me. I am capable of advising players.”"
Van De Beek is well aware that he needs more game time, and is ready to switch clubs to secure regular football.
From Being Chased by Real Madrid, to Now by Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have expressed interest in getting Van De Beek to move to South London, and Patrick Viera is highly interested in signing the Dutch midfielder to bolster his midfield, and add some flair and experience to his squad. Valencia are also reported to be in for the midfielder, but will unlikely be able to cover his wages. Manchester United are looking for the Dutchman’s suitors to cover his wages in full, and pay a loan fee to acquire his services.
Donny Van De Beek was on the radar of the biggest clubs in Europe including Real Madrid, but none were able to sign him in the COVID-19 hit market. Manchester United did, and were also aided by having former player and United legend Edwin van der Sar, who now operates as the CEO of Ajax Football Club.
No disrespect to Crystal Palace here, but Van De Beek’s career has not gone the way he had hoped, and is now battling hard to save his career. In all honesty, he will be a fantastic signing for Crystal Palace, and it will be a delight for the fans at Selhurst Park to see him kick the ball around for The Eagles.