Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil is dodging any questions relating to a move for Manchester United’s Premier League misfit Donny Van de Beek.
While the departures of Alex Telles and Anthony Elanga were more than welcome, Erik ten Hag probably didn’t plan on reaching the start of August with Eric Bailly, Fred, Dean Henderson and the aforementioned Donny Van de Beek in his roster.
The Dutchman, seldom-seen since his big-money move from Ajax last summer, is one of those who enters the final month of the window with his future very much in the balance.
Fabrizio Romano believes there is an 80 – perhaps even 90 – per cent chance that Van de Beek will be on the way before September 1st. Manchester United’s reported £25 million asking price, per the Daily Mail, could be beyond Sociedad’s reach, however, with the Red Devils potentially facing up to the prospect of selling on 26-year-old reduced terms.
Donny Van de Beek up for sale at Man United
Alguacil was keen to keep his cards close to his chest when quizzed about Van de Beek’s potential arrival at Balaidos, however.
“Sorry, I’m only talking about those who are here,” Alguacil tells Marca. “I can’t tell you anything.”
If Van de Beek does indeed end up at La Real, a starting spot would be far from guaranteed with the likes of Mikel Merino and the much-admired Martin Zubimendi (linked with Man United earlier in the year) already at Alguacil’s disposal.
“We have very high-quality players in the midfield,” Alguacil adds.
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Van de Beek started only two Premier League games during Ten Hag’s first season at the helm. The arrival of Mason Mount from Chelsea serves to push him even further down the pecking order.
Van de Beek has, at least, enjoyed an impressive pre-season. The diminutive midfielder offered a reminder of his goalscoring qualities with a sumptuous volley against Lyon before setting up both Diogo Dalot and Antony’s goals in the 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund this week.