Transfer Centre

Leicester City keen to sign Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 04 October 2022

Leicester keen to sign Man United's Donny van de Beek?

Leicester City are reportedly weighing up the possibility of moving for Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek during the January transfer window.

Leicester City have reportedly identified Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek as a potential transfer target for 2023.

The Foxes endured a difficult summer in the transfer market, manager Brendan Rodgers describing the period as "horrendous" when commenting on it after the 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Monday evening.

Rodgers was referring to the club being unable to sign their desired targets and watching the likes of Kasper Schmeichel and Wesley Fofana depart the King Power Stadium.

On a positive note, Leicester were able to retain the services of Youri Tielemans, although it is widely expected that it will only be for 2022-23.

With the Belgium international either departing for a cut-price fee in January or on a free transfer later in 2023, Leicester will require a like-for-like replacement.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers on September 17, 2022 © Reuters

According to Jeunes Footeux, the East Midlands outfit may attempt to negotiate a deal for out-of-favour United midfielder Van de Beek.

The Netherlands international has endured a hugely frustrating period in English football since his arrival from Ajax in 2020.

Despite costing £35m, Van de Beek has made just four starts for United in the Premier League, a further 26 outings coming from the substitutes' bench, while 23 appearances have been made in all competitions.

The 25-year-old also struggled to make an impact on loan at Everton in the second half of 2021-22, making just five starts and two substitute appearances in the top flight.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag on August 13, 2022 © Reuters

Even having been reunited with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, Van de Beek has featured for just 19 minutes across three Premier League outings this season.

Although it should be noted that he has also spent time on the sidelines through injury, United are unlikely to stand in the player's way if they receive a suitable offer in January.

The report claims that Leicester may explore the possibility of signing Van de Beek on loan at the beginning of 2023 before potentially securing his services on a full-time basis for £13m.

Much could also depend on Leicester further reducing their playing numbers, but their financial situation has been significantly boosted by the sale of Fofana for £70m.

Van de Beek has a contract at United until 2025, while the Red Devils also possess the option of extending those terms by a further 12 months.