First January Deal Done – Man Utd reach ‘verbal agreement’ for first January transfer with £12.8m deal pending

Manchester United has initiated its January transfer window activities, reaching a verbal agreement for Donny van de Beek to leave the club on loan next month.

The Dutch midfielder, facing limited opportunities under manager Erik ten Hag, is set for a temporary move away from Old Trafford.

According to Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement has been struck between United and Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt to send Van de Beek to Germany for the remainder of the season.

The agreement includes an option for Frankfurt to secure Van de Beek on a permanent loan at the end of the spell, with a reported fee of £12.8 million, excluding potential add-ons.

Additionally, Frankfurt will pay a loan fee to United.

Van de Beek arrived at United with considerable promise after impressing with Ajax under Ten Hag.

However, he has struggled to meet expectations, and even a reunion with his former boss did not change his fortune at the club.

A knee injury earlier this year ruled him out for the latter part of the 2022/23 season, and a planned loan move to Lorient in the summer fell through.

Despite limited playing time, Van de Beek remains optimistic about his career. Having made just two substitute appearances totaling 21 minutes this season, the 26-year-old is eager for more game time.

Expressing his readiness for a new chapter, he emphasized the importance of enjoying his work and being ambitious, signaling his eagerness to contribute actively on the field.