Some Everton fans reacting on social media have shared their joy at Marcel Brands’ bid to sign Donny van de Beek on loan from Manchester United falling through on Deadline Day.
That’s according to Algemeen Dagblad, who claim Everton were ready to meet Manchester United’s conditions for a last-ditch transfer. But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stepped in to block Van de Beek from leaving Old Trafford and moving to Goodison Park.
Van de Beek had urged the Red Devils to let him leave on loan at the end of the window after Louis van Gaal omitted him from the latest Netherlands squad. Manchester United seemed ready to sanction a deal, too, until Solskjaer deemed the matter non-negotiable.
Everton were one of several who explored signing Van de Beek on loan within a year of joining Manchester United. He will now have to hope Solskjaer is willing to award him more game time after the international break, instead.
Solskjaer is yet to field the 24-year-old for a single second this season, and only offered 15 starts last term. Van de Beek made 36 appearances, scored once and provided two assists following a £35m move from Ajax last September.
Van de Beek’s agent confirmed to Voetbal International that clubs in Italy, Germany and England sought deals this summer. However, Manchester United ‘disappointed’ his camp by rejecting offers, given the midfielder wanted to leave in search of more minutes.
Everton fans react to failed Van de Beek pursuit
But some Everton fans on social media were not disappointed to see their side fail to sign Van de Beek. That’s because they question where the Manchester United outcast would fit in Rafa Benitez’s plans, or the Toffees’ long-term strategy.
Others also vented at Marcel Brands’ role in eying the £120,000-per-week midfielder. The Telegraph also cite Everton’s late-window interest in Van de Beek and note the role of their Director of Football. Brands supposedly spoke with his agent, Guido Albers, despite others at Everton having some serious reservations about doing business with Manchester United.
Everton would also have needed the Red Devils to subside some of Van de Beek’s wage to join. While bad blood between the two clubs over deals for Leighton Baines, Marouane Fellaini and Tom Cleverly in the past added further reasons why any deal was a non-starter.
So, here are some of the messages Everton fans have shared on social media…
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