Van de Beek Remains on Real Madrid’s Radar

De Telegraaf, a Dutch outlet, have again reported on serious interest from Real Madrid in Ajax central midfielder, Donny Van de Beek. The Dutchman was a key cog to the impressive Ajax side that made it to the Champions League semi-final, dismantling Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus along the way. VdB made a name for himself by ghosting into the box with late arriving runs and clinically finishing any opportunity that came his way. He is a player in the mold of Aaron Ramsey or Rafael Van de Vaart— a hybrid “8” and “10” with the ability to create and score from midfield. It seems Van de Beek’s arrival does not depend on Pogba, as the club would like to acquire both midfielders.

It’s expected that Madrid would have to shell out somewhere between €50 and €60 million for VdB’s services. Apparently the young midfielder has already had extensive conversations with former Madrid player, Wesley Sneijder, on the demands and requirements of playing for Los Blancos.

At 22-years-old, Van de Beek would be another young player to join the ranks, but would he be an upgrade over the likes of James, Isco, and loanee’s Dani Ceballos and Martin Odeegard? it’s unclear whether Zinedine Zidane supports the signing or if it’s an objective being pushed by the club hierarchy. With about a month remaining in the transfer window, the questions on Paul Pogba, Christian Eriksen, and Donny Van de Beek will be answered shortly.