According to reports from SPORT, Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to lock antlers for the signature of Ajax star Donny van de Beek. The LaLiga giants were warded off by the Eredivisie champions successfully last summer, but it seems the two heavyweights will spark a transfer battle for 22-year-old in January.
Van de Beek came under the spotlight after churning out impressive performances in Dutch top-tier and the Champions League. Real Madrid was the first to be linked with a move for him last summer, as Florentino Perez eyed a massive overhaul to reclaim lost glory.
Los Blancos believe that they are in the pole position to land van de Beek given that they have already contacted the Ajax representatives regarding a transfer.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are also keen on the Dutchman’s signature. The Catalan giants view him as the perfect heir to Sergio Busquets’ position and believe he will strike up a fearsome partnership with Frenkie de Jong in the middle of the park.
Real Madrid failed to sign the youngster after tabling a €35m bid last summer. Van de Beek is currently valued between €50m to €60m, a price Zinedine Zidan’s will have no problem matching.
Los Merengues are expected to shell out that amount as they look to sign a successor for Luka Modric, who is in the twilight of his illustrious career.
Meanwhile, van de Beek has justified why the world’s two greatest clubs are at loggerheads over his signature. The Dutchman has scored 7 goals and registered – assists in 24 appearances this term.
Van fe Beek’s contract at the Amsterdam Arena will expire in 2022. Ajax has already lost talented youngsters Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong to Juventus and Barcelona respectively. It seems to be a matter of time before another superstar embraces their exit door.