Ajax manager confirms van de Beek is set to join Real Madrid

Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag has confirmed that midfielder Donny van de Beek is set to make the move to Real Madrid this summer. The Netherlands international was one of the many standout performers for the Eredivisie outfit last term where they were able to secure a domestic double as well as reach the Champions League final.

Speaking in a press conference, Ten Hag acknowledged that Van de Beek has been a crucial player in the club’s ranks but they could not convince him to stay after the interest from Real Madrid, he said: “He [Van de Beek] was very important for us last season and he started with the same enthusiasm, freshness and a lot of energy this time around as well. His departure is a loss, but we knew it could happen. We didn't want to lose him and we did everything we could to keep him at Ajax, but when a club of this calibre enters the picture, it's difficult.”

The 13-time European champions have been on the hunt for midfield reinforcements this summer and Van de Beek now appears on the cusp of joining them. Still, reports suggest that they could make the move for Manchester United’s Paul Pogba and it remains to be seen whether they can pursue the France international before the Premier League transfer window closes on Thursday.

The Red Devils are understood to want a package of around £132m for the World Cup winner and Los Blancos may need to act soon, considering the Mancunian giants would want a replacement first before sanctioning the Frenchman’s sale. Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been earmarked as the prime target and the Serbian could cost around £89m to make the switch to Old Trafford. With the arrival of Van de Beek, Los Blancos could potentially take their spending spree over £300m.