Forgotten Manchester United man changes transfer priority as sale details emerge

Donny van de Beek has seemingly changed his transfer priorities as details surrounding a proposed move from Manchester United to Saudi Arabia emerged.

Donny van de Beek‘s transfer to Manchester United has been nothing short of a complete failure. After joining the Old Trafford club from Ajax for a fee of around £35 million in 2020, the Dutch midfielder failed to have much of an impact under Ole Gunnar Solskjær during his first season.

His second season was not much better after the midfielder failed to start a single Premier League appearance for United during 2021/22 and was loaned out halfway through the campaign to Everton, where he sustained thigh injuries.

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Once Erik ten Hag arrived at the club, some thought Van de Beek would see a revival at Old Trafford, but one was not forthcoming, and he sustained another injury in January 2023 that ruled him out for the season.

He joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan for the 2023/24 campaign but made just 10 appearances, failing to register a goal contribution—and now, his transfer priorities have changed.

“Donny does not want to stay in the Premier League, also because United do not want that,” Guido Albers, his agent, said earlier this month. “That is not a good choice for him. He needs to return to a club that plays good football. In any case, he will not return to Ajax.”

Albers then further explained that the priority is now Spain, Italy, or France. “My preference was to look in Spain, Italy or France. If I could get him in Spain or Italy, that would be fantastic, at a club where he will play as a No.10 like he played at Ajax.”

However, a fresh report from Middle Eastern outlet WinWin has now confirmed that Van de Beek has been presented to the Saudi Pro League by Al-Ahly and Al-Ettifaq officials.

Further, it is said that the player “does not mind” the idea of playing in Saudi Arabia and has expressed his admiration for the football project currently being undertaken there. This points toward the idea that Van de Beek may be changing his priorities away from wanting to stay in Europe’s top leagues.