In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo stated that Barcelona are eyeing a loan move for Manchester United playmaker Donny van de Beek this summer. It is understood that the Catalans could consider recruiting the Dutch midfielder on a season-long loan deal to strengthen their midfield options for the new campaign (via Mundo Deportivo).
Van de Beek’s Unimpressive Form At Old Trafford Last Season
Van de Beek experienced a difficult campaign at the Theatre of Dreams as he struggled to give a good account of himself when called up to feature in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first team. The 24-year-old was involved in 36 matches for the Mancunian outfit last season, netting one goal and grabbing two assists across all competitions.
The Nijkerkerveen-born midfield ace saw most of his playing minutes come off the bench which explains why he could only average 0.1 shots, 0.2 key passes and 0.4 dribbles per 90 minutes in the 2020-21 Premier League season. However, he deserves credit for distributing the ball relatively well after completing 86.1% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Van de Beek needs a change of scenery if he wants to restore his status as a top performer at the highest level. Hence, a potential switch to the Nou Camp could be an ideal move for the Dutchman at this stage of his playing career.
Will Signing Van de Beek Be A Wise Move For The Catalans?
Van de Beek can be a decent playmaker in the opponent’s half when he is given the license to get forward and express himself up top. He even showed during his time with Ajax that he can bang in some important goals from midfield. However, the Dutch talent lost a lot of confidence due to the lack of game time at Old Trafford last season. Hence, he will have plenty to prove if he gets a chance to join the Catalan outfit this summer.
Van de Beek could add some goals and creativity to Koeman’s attack and has what it takes to rival Frenkie de Jong and Pedri for a place in Barca’s first XI next season. He could even serve as an upgrade over Miralem Pjanic at the Nou Camp. At 24, the ex-Ajax midfield ace is about to enter his prime, so Koeman can expect to get the best out of him in the 2021-22 La Liga campaign.
All in all, Barca would be wise to sign him up on loan this summer as it will be a low-risk, high-reward move for them. The fact that they can potentially land a player of Van de Beek’s quality on loan in the midst of a financial crisis, makes him an attractive choice for Koeman to consider in this off-season.
