Donny van de Beek is being backed to get his career back on track if he joins Celtic from Manchester United this summer.
Celtic could be the ideal home for Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek, according to former Bhoys boss Neil Lennon.
Bhoys fans were probably in shock on Monday when they read rumours about Van de Beek.
90Min reported that Van de Beek’s representatives have been speaking to a number of European clubs.
Premier League sides Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace were mentioned, as were Italian trio Inter, Roma and AC Milan.
Then it was added that Celtic have an interest in signing Van de Beek as Brendan Rodgers seeks to bolster his squad.
Neil Lennon comments on Donny van de Beek to Celtic
Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon has now had his say on one of the more surprising rumours of the summer window.
Speaking to the Go Radio Football Show, Lennon suggested that Van de Beek could get back on track at Celtic.
Lennon feels that Van de Beek was ‘outstanding’ for Ajax a few years ago but maybe needs to try something new.
Lennon believes Van de Beek can make a huge impact for Celtic but is under no illusions about a deal actually taking place.
The Northern Irishman accepts that Van de Beek is on huge money and Celtic would only be able to take him on loan with a contribution to his wages.
“Possibly – his career has sort of stalled a bit,” said Lennon. “He was outstanding for Ajax the season they got to the semi-finals of the Champions League in that really good young Ajax team. He went to United and it didn’t work out and he went on loan to Everton and that didn’t work out either. So he needs a kickstart and maybe Celtic is that place for him.”
“He’s certainly shown he’s got the pedigree and you never lose it, you just sometimes lose your confidence or your hunger and lose your way a little bit. Players of that calibre just need a restart and maybe he’s thinking Celtic might be that place to go but I mean, there’s a lot of work to be done in a deal involving that.”
“He’ll be on huge money, let’s not beat around the bush here. Realistically, if you’re talking about (Scott) McTominay, (Kieran) Tierney or Van de Beek, it’ll probably be a loan and Celtic making a contribution towards the wages,” he added.
Van de Beek to Celtic sounds highly unlikely
Van de Beek may well see Celtic as a destination where he can play regularly and get his confidence back.
However, Van de Beek will be earning over £100,000-a-week at Manchester United and it’s unclear just how much Celtic could realistically put towards a deal.
It’s also worth factoring in that Van de Beek may well see a club like Inter, Roma or Milan as more appealing than Celtic.
The 26-year-old looks set to miss out on Euro 2024 unless he enjoys a stunning campaign and playing in Serie A may be his best chance.
Van de Beek must leave United this summer, three years after a £39million move from Ajax, but we can’t see Celtic being his destination.
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