Manchester United's Donny van de Beek is reportedly set to end his difficult stint at Old Trafford by moving to Girona in a significantly reduced-price deal.
Van de Beek, who was signed from Ajax in the summer of 2020 for €39 million (£33 million), hasn't been able to secure a regular spot in the United lineup. He struggled to impress under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick and spent the latter part of the 2021-22 season on loan at Everton.
Hopes were high that a reunion with his former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag might revive his fortunes, but Van de Beek still found himself on the fringes during the first half of the 2023-24 season.
Last season, he made just two appearances for United before being loaned to Eintracht Frankfurt, where he only managed 357 minutes in eight Bundesliga matches. Frankfurt decided not to make his move permanent, leaving him to return to Manchester United, where he has just two goals and two assists in 62 matches.
With only 12 months left on his contract, all parties are eager to finalize his departure from Old Trafford. According to Spanish outlet Relevo, Girona, who finished third in La Liga last season, are set to sign Van de Beek for just €500,000 (£423,000). This deal represents a substantial financial loss for United, but Girona believes they can help him regain his form under head coach Michel.
Van de Beek will reunite with former Ajax teammate Daley Blind at Girona. Blind joined Girona from Bayern Munich last year and recently extended his contract until 2026. Van de Beek will also have the chance to play in the Champions League with Girona next season, while United will be competing in the Europa League.
When Van de Beek arrived at Old Trafford during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was seen as one of Europe's top midfield talents, backed by impressive stats from his time in the Eredivisie. He even scored on his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace, though United lost that game.
Despite Solskjaer's support, Van de Beek struggled to adapt to the Premier League's demands. If Girona can provide the right environment for him, this £423,000 transfer might turn out to be one of football's greatest bargains.