Van de Beek, Real Madrid's alternative if they can't sign Pogba

Posted Wednesday, June 26, 2019 by Marca.com

While working on the transfer of Paul Pogba from Manchester United, Real Madrid will stay attentive to the situation surrounding Donny van de Beek at Ajax, with the 22-year-old still on their radar as a 'Plan B'.

The Ajax midfielder caught the eye of those at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu as he helped the Dutch side go within touching distance of the final at the Wanda Metropolitano, knocking out both Real Madrid and Juventus en route to the semi-finals.

An international with the Netherlands, Van de Beek was a key player in both Champions League upsets, even scoring in Turin.

The No.6 drew Madrid's attention due to his quality, but also his movement and direct approach. He has what Zinedine Zidane's new-look Madrid need, as he wants a more physical side who are also deadly in possession.

Although Los Blancos wanted to close the signing of a midfielder as soon as possible, everything around Pogba suggests that his pursuit could drag on through July and into August, leaving Van de Beek as the most feasible available option.

The Dutchman won't come cheap, but he's available for considerably less than Pogba at about 60 million euros, which is almost 100m euros less than United want for the Frenchman.

He's more affordable and, simply, an easier target.

Van de Beek's statistics last season have Madrid convinced. He played 57 games, every game possible for his country, and didn't suffer a single injury throughout the course of the season, nor did he miss any matches through suspension.

Offensively he netted 17 goals and provided 13 assists, confirming himself as one of the best Dutch players around.

Eriksen falls away

Pogba was thought to be rivalling Christian Eriksen as a top target this summer, but Zidane's lack of interest in the Dane has seen the club turn their attention elsewhere.