Manchester United are working on incoming deals for Dutch stars but have allowed Donny van de Beek to move on.
Erik ten Hag is staying put as Manchester United boss and it looks like a couple of his compatriots are set to arrive.
Reports from Germany suggest that Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt is set for a move to Old Trafford.
The centre back is understood to have told Bayern that he wants to join United immediately as talks continue over a deal.
That move is progressing well but United seem even further down the line with a move to sign striker Joshua Zirkzee.
Reports on Thursday afternoon suggest that Zirkzee is travelling for a medical with United as a deal moves another step closer.
As two Dutch players prepare to join, one is leaving Old Trafford with Donny van de Beek’s time at the club coming to an end.
Van de Beek was a huge signing for United in 2020 having impressed with Ajax.
The move has been a nightmare for Van de Beek though, managing just 35 appearances and two goals in the Premier League.
Loans to Everton and Eintracht Frankfurt have not worked out either and United have now allowed him to leave in a cut-price move to Girona.
United would have been hoping to see Eintracht Frankfurt exercise their permanent option on Van de Beek, but it was no surprise when they passed it up.
Van de Beek managed just four Bundesliga starts and struggled to get himself back on track in Germany.
Eintracht could have signed Van de Beek for £9.5million but have gone in another direction – and their next signing has a United connection.
Eintracht have confirmed the signing of midfielder Oscar Hojlund – the brother of United striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Hojlund joined United from Atalanta last summer and has now seen his younger brother earn a big move of his own.
The midfielder heads from Copenhagen to Frankfurt with Eintracht backing the 19-year-old for a bright future.
“In Oscar Højlund we’re signing a very talented player, who has already gained international experience despite his young age, and is also a very good fit for us given his excellent footballing ability and character. Having said that, he’s still got plenty of potential to develop, and we’ll give him the necessary time to do so. We’re pleased that Oscar has chosen to join us. During our talks we could tell how much he was looking forward to coming here,” said Eintracht sporting director Timmo Hardung.
Eintracht clearly believe that, in order to strengthen their midfield for the long term, signing Hojlund was a better investment than Van de Beek.
Girona have pounced though and have now announced Van de Beek’s arrival.
Girona appear to be pretty excited about the deal having handed the Dutchman a four-year deal in Catalunya.
“The new red-and-white footballer is a very talented midfielder who stands out for his game vision, ability to score goals and his ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates. In addition, he is a versatile player who can adapt to different positions,” they wrote.
United fans never saw Van de Beek at anywhere close to his best, but few will hold hard feelings about him as he heads to Spain.
The hope is that Van de Beek can finally get back on track with this latest move after four difficult years for his career.
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