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Manchester United Concludes Donny van de Beek’s Tenure with Transfer to Girona

Manchester United have officially confirmed the transfer of Donny van de Beek to Spanish club Girona, marking the end of his challenging stint at Old Trafford. This move comes as part of a transfer arrangement that involves a nominal initial fee supplemented by a series of performance-related add-ons.

Van de Beek’s Journey from Ajax to Old Trafford

Signed from Ajax in 2020 for a substantial £40 million (£35 million plus £5 million in add-ons), Van de Beek arrived at Manchester United with a sterling reputation. His performances in Amsterdam had made him one of Europe’s most sought-after talents. However, his time in Manchester has been less than stellar, with limited opportunities to make a significant impact.

Photo: IMAGO

Throughout his four-year spell with the Red Devils, Van de Beek appeared in just 62 matches, many as a substitute, contributing a mere two goals and two assists. His tenure also included two separate loan spells in an attempt to revive his career, particularly following the arrival of Erik ten Hag, who initially seemed likely to rejuvenate the Dutch midfielder’s fortunes at United.

Despite these efforts, Ten Hag’s tenure did not significantly alter Van de Beek’s trajectory at the club, leading to a crucial decision as his contract neared its conclusion.

Transfer Details and Financial Implications

The details of Van de Beek’s transfer to Girona have been disclosed by renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, revealing a deal that includes a minimal upfront payment of just €500,000 (£420,000). The agreement also features achievable add-ons amounting to approximately €4m-€5m, linked primarily to performance metrics like appearances in the upcoming 2024/25 season.

More complex clauses could potentially elevate the total transfer fee to around €15 million, though the specifics of these conditions remain undisclosed at this time. Van de Beek has committed to a four-year contract with Girona, which is poised to make its Champions League debut following a remarkable third-place finish in La Liga last season.

Van de Beek’s Parting Words

Reflecting on his time at Manchester United, Van de Beek shared a heartfelt message on Instagram:

“Dear Manchester United family, today is a memorable day as my adventure at the club comes to an end. I want to thank you all for your support throughout the years. From the moment we arrived at Manchester United, we felt extremely welcome and we are grateful for that. Thank you to everyone at the club for making us feel at home. A special thanks to all the fans that made these years unforgettable. Besides the football, the birth of our two children here ensures that Manchester will always have a special place in our hearts. Good luck to everybody, we’ll meet again.”

What’s Next for Manchester United?

As Van de Beek departs, Manchester United continues to be active in the transfer market, with reports suggesting a potential £80 million double swoop on Everton. The club remains committed to restructuring its squad under Ten Hag, aiming to improve both its domestic and international prospects in the coming seasons.

This transfer, while reflective of a considerable loss on financial investment for United, closes a chapter for Van de Beek, offering him a fresh start at Girona where he might rediscover the form that once made him one of the most promising midfield talents in Europe.