Leeds United were reportedly offered the chance to sign Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek in the January window. The Dutchman has joined Everton on loan – and Leeds could come to regret not moving.
Van de Beek, 24, completed a deadline-day loan move to Everton from Manchester United as new Toffees boss Frank Lampard chose to bring the Dutchman, and Dele Alli, to Goodison Park.
It comes after struggling to make his mark at Manchester United, following a £35million (BBC) move from Ajax in 2020. In 18 months at Old Trafford, the Netherlands international managed just four Premier League starts.
The Athletic report that van de Beek was offered to Leeds during the January window. The Whites wanted Brenden Aaronson from RedBull Salzburg but the Austrian side remained firm in their stance.
They have decided to keep him until the summer. So, given Leeds were offered the chance to sign van de Beek on loan – surely the Yorkshire club are going to regret overlooking him if he starts to shine at Everton?
Will van de Beek shine at Everton? If so, Leeds have made a mistake
Everton needed creativity from the middle of the park and under Frank Lampard, van de Beek – and Dele – will not have a better manager to learn from. It is the perfect stage for van de Beek to sparkle.
Leeds, meanwhile, lack options from the middle of the park. Rodrigo is probably the best option but his natural instincts as a striker make him somewhat of a liability, when Marcelo Bielsa’s men need to defend.
Not only that, but van de Beek seems to be the perfect type of Bielsa midfielder. Hard working, versatile in that he can play box-to-box, as an eight or even as a 10, and technically excellent.
Given that reports have made it public that Leeds overlooked a loan for van de Beek, if he shines at Everton – Leeds are going to regret not signing him.
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