In a pivotal move on the opening day of the winter transfer window, Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has secured a loan deal with Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt for the remainder of the season. The agreement includes an option for Eintracht to convert the loan into a permanent transfer.
Van de Beek, 26, joined Manchester United in September 2020 from Ajax for a reported fee of £35 million. Despite the initial promise, the Netherlands international struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting XI, making only six Premier League starts for the Red Devils. Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag recently emphasized the need for van de Beek to embark on a loan move to reignite his career.
Van de Beek to Eintracht Frankfurt – The Move to turn Permanent?
The loan arrangement involves Eintracht Frankfurt covering a significant portion of the midfielder’s wages, in addition to a loan fee paid to Manchester United. The potential permanent transfer fee is set at 11 million euros (£9.5 million), with an extra 3 million euros (£2.6 million) in potential add-ons.
Van de Beek had a brief loan stint at Everton in 2022 before returning to Manchester United. Unfortunately, he missed the latter part of the previous season due to a serious knee injury.
As the Bundesliga takes its winter break, Eintracht Frankfurt, currently positioned sixth in the league table, will resume their campaign against RB Leipzig on January 13. The German side is also gearing up for a UEFA Europa Conference League play-off against Union Saint-Gilloise of Belgium in February.
Since his arrival at Old Trafford, van de Beek has made 62 appearances for Manchester United, finding the net twice. This includes a temporary seven-game spell at Everton during the 2022 season.
The completion of this transfer on the opening day of the winter window signifies a strategic move for both clubs, with Eintracht Frankfurt aiming to bolster their midfield options and Donny van de Beek seeking a fresh start to revive his career in the competitive environment of the Bundesliga.