Donny van de Beek’s agent reveals why Man Utd midfielder’s transfer was blocked

United’s Dutch midfielder was linked with a switch to Goodison Park on transfer deadline day.
Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek. Picture: Phil Noble - Pool/Getty ImagesManchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek. Picture: Phil Noble - Pool/Getty Images
Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek. Picture: Phil Noble - Pool/Getty Images

Donny van de Beek’s agent has explained why the Manchester United midfielder had a deadline day move to Everton blocked.

Guido Albers, who represents the Netherlands international, has claimed he held talks with Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri and director of football Marcel Brands about a switch to Goodison Park.

Why the transfer broke down

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Van de Beek was keen to join Rafa Benitez’s side to play regular football, having struggled to make an impact at Man Utd after his August 2020 arrival from Ajax.

But, according to Albers, Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pulled the plug the night before transfer deadline day last Tuesday.

Speaking to Dutch media outlet Ziggo Sport, he said: “We had conversations with [Ole Gunnar] Solksjaer and the board.

“We took the initiative to find a club and our search ended up at Everton. We opened talks with Marcel Brands and Farhad Moshiri.

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“Donny talked with his father and his father in law. They agreed to take a step down in his career while knowing he could play every week.

“They don’t have a [number] 10 over there with both having problems. The package was complete and everything was looking good.

“Then on Monday night, we received a call from Solskjaer and the club who told us that a transfer was out of question and that he had to report himself to training the next morning.”

What happened next

Everton opted against signing another midfielder on deadline day.

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Instead, the Blues moved to recruit striker Salomon Rondon from Chinese club Dalian Pro on a free transfer.

Van de Beek, meanwhile, will bid to force his way into Man United’s plans this term.

* Let us know your thoughts: tweet us @MancWorldUK or our football writer Michael Plant @MichaelPlant82

A version of this story appeared on our sister site, LiverpoolWorld.