Manchester United misfit Donny Van de Beek must be registered as a Galatasaray player tonight if he is to play Champions League football for the Turkish giants next season.
And it’s fair to say time is not exactly on his side.
Yes, the Turkish transfer window will remain open until September 15th. But, as Sporx point out, Galatasaray have until 1am local time to notify UEFA about who will be representing Okan Buruk’s side in the Champions League group-stages, the Istanbul-based outfit securing a seat at the top table after defeating Molde in the play-offs.
Hence why Galatasaray are hard at work looking to bring Tottenham Hotspur duo Tanguy Ndombele and Davinson Sanchez to Turkey today. Fabrizio Romano reports that Ndombele – Spurs’ £63 million misfit – has agreed to join on loan. He has even undergone part of his medical already.
Donny Van de Beek can still leave Manchester United
Ndombele is expected to jet out to Istanbul tonight, alongside Tottenham team-mate Davinson Sanchez. There is a plane ready for Manchester United’s Donny Van de Beek too, should he wish to board it.
Sporx add that Van de Beek is still in talks over a move to Galatasaray. And while the £35 million Dutch international turned his nose up at both FC Lorient and Genoa, Galatasaray can offer Champions League football, a shot at silverware, and the chance to rebuild his reputation at a club who jump-started the careers of Mauro Icardi, Lucas Torreira and even Van de Beek’s former Manchester United team-mate Juan Mata.
Race against time
According to The Athletic, United rejected Gala’s initial bid; the latter offering the former a £1 million loan fee. Should they improve their proposal, however, the Red Devils will not stand in Van de Beek’s way. Even his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag has seemingly given up on a player who has started just six Premier League games in three years.
Interestingly, Van de Beek’s potential future employers will take on his current ones in the Champions League group-stages.
Under UEFA rules, however, Van de Beek would be able to take on Man United in the red-and-yellow of the Turkish powerhouses.