Transfer Centre

Donny van de Beek's attitude 'cost him late Lorient switch'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 03 September 2023

Lorient rejected the chance to sign Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek on loan in the final stages of the transfer window, according to a report.

Lorient reportedly turned down the chance to enter into discussions with Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek in the final stages of the summer transfer window.

The Netherlands international is not in the plans of Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag moving forward and was widely expected to leave Old Trafford ahead of the transfer deadline.

Van de Beek remains a Man United player for the moment, although it is still possible that he could leave in the near future, with teams from Turkey and Saudi Arabia still able to sign players.

Lorient seemingly emerged as the favourites for the midfielder on transfer deadline day, with some reports claiming that the Ligue 1 outfit had a loan bid accepted.

However, according to L'Equipe, the French side actually turned down the chance to bring the Dutchman to the club before the end of the window.

Donny van de Beek in action for Manchester United on August 13, 2022 © Reuters

The report claims that Lorient informed Van de Beek's representatives in the middle of August that they were interested in bringing him to Ligue 1.

The 26-year-old is said to have refused to speak to the French outfit, as he held out for a potentially more lucrative move in the final stages of the market.

Van de Beek's agents are believed to have later reached out to Lorient, but Regis Le Bris's side were unhappy with his attitude when contacts were first initiated and refused to re-open discussions.

Galatasaray are believed to lead the Turkish interest in the former Ajax youngster, who has failed to make his mark for Man United since arriving from Ajax in the summer of 2020.

Manchester United's Donny van de Beek pictured on July 12, 2022 © Reuters

Van de Beek has only managed two goals and two assists in 60 appearances for the Red Devils, and he was restricted to just 10 outings last term due to a serious knee injury.

Fred left Old Trafford last month to join Fenerbahce, but Scott McTominay remained at Old Trafford despite the widespread speculation surrounding his future.

Sofyan Amrabat was also signed on loan from Fiorentina on transfer deadline day to boost a midfield department which also includes Mason Mount, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.

Hannibal Mejbri also stayed past the deadline despite the speculation surrounding his future, while Kobbie Mainoo is expected back from injury this month and will provide another midfield option for Ten Hag.