Donny van de Beek, a Dutch midfielder, has finalized his transfer to Girona in La Liga, bringing an end to his difficult time at Manchester United.
“It’s a bitter pill to swallow,” expressed Virgil van Dijk as the Netherlands’ aspirations come crashing down. The talented defender shared his disappointment after their dreams were shattered.
In other news, Donny van de Beek has bid farewell to his tumultuous stint at Manchester United, as he embarks on a new chapter with Girona in a permanent move. The 27-year-old has inked a four-year contract with the La Liga outfit, reportedly for a paltry sum of €500,000 (£423,000), as confirmed by esteemed football journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Romano further disclosed that the fee could potentially rise to €15 million (£12.7m) if certain add-ons are met. Van de Beek took to social media to express his gratitude, stating, “Dear Manchester United family. Today marks a momentous day as my journey with the club comes to an end. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your unwavering support throughout the years. From the moment we arrived at Manchester United, we were embraced with open arms, and for that, we are truly grateful. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone at the club for making us feel at home.”
He continued, “A special mention to all the fans who have made these years unforgettable. Beyond football, the birth of our two children here ensures that Manchester will always hold a special place in our hearts. Wishing everyone the best of luck, until we meet again.”
Reports suggest that Manchester United will also receive a sell-on fee, although it pales in comparison to the £35m they initially paid for the Dutchman in September 2020.
Van de Beek has consistently struggled to secure playing time since his arrival at Old Trafford from Ajax, resulting in loan spells at Everton and Eintracht Frankfurt. His departure from United comes after a mere 62 appearances over a four-year period, during which he managed to score two goals.
However, this move to Girona presents the midfielder with an opportunity to participate in UEFA Champions League football, following the Catalan club’s impressive third-place finish last season.
Van de Beek’s final outing for Manchester United culminated in a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace on September 30.