Donny van de Beek will reportedly return to Manchester United as Eintracht Frankfurt are not keen to activate the £8.5m clause to sign the player.
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Van de Beek on loan at FrankfurtHas fallen down the pecking order Club unlikely to trigger buy-optionGetty/GOALWHAT HAPPENED?
Van de Beek's departure to Frankfurt on loan in January was seen as an opportunity for the Dutch midfielder to revive his career after struggling to make an impact at United following his transfer from Ajax Amsterdam. However, according to Frankfurt are reluctant to activate the £8.5 million clause to sign the player permanently after several lacklustre performances. They are unlikely to retain him beyond his loan spell, paving the way for his return to Old Trafford in the summer.
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While Eintracht Frankfurt was aware that Van de Beek might not arrive in peak condition, there was a cautious optimism surrounding his arrival. However, the midfielder's performances have failed to meet expectations during his time in Germany. He has been given multiple opportunities by Eintracht Frankfurt manager Dino Toppmöller but has failed to seize them. He is no longer considered a backup option and has already missed four games.
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Van de Beek has started just four games in Germany since joining Frankfurt and was left out of the Europa Conference League squad this season. The player's underwhelming performances have led to disappointment across the board which has prompted the club to reconsider its long-term plans for him.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
The uncertainty surrounding Van de Beek's future adds another layer of intrigue to United's transfer plans, as they navigate potential squad changes ahead of the new season. The development comes as a setback for both the player and the clubs involved, who had hoped for a more successful loan spell at Eintracht Frankfurt.