Donny van de Beek Urged to Consider Move to Celtic by Neil Lennon
Donny van de Beek’s career at Manchester United has been far from impressive, and former Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes a move to the Scottish club could be the ideal opportunity for the Dutchman to revive his career. Van de Beek joined Manchester United from Ajax in 2020 for a hefty fee of £40 million, but he has failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford.
Van de Beek was a key player for Ajax during their successful 2018-2019 season, where they won the Eredivisie title and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. However, since his move to Manchester United, his form has significantly declined. The 26-year-old has only made 34 Premier League appearances over the course of three seasons.
The Dutch international also had a disappointing loan spell at Everton, further adding to his struggles. With rumors of a potential departure from Manchester United swirling, Lennon believes that a move to Celtic could be the perfect opportunity for Van de Beek to reignite his career.
Lennon stated on The Go Radio Football Show, “Possibly – his career has sort of stalled a bit. He was outstanding for Ajax the season they got to the semi-finals of the Champions League in that really good, young team.” Lennon believes that Van de Beek still possesses the talent and pedigree that made him successful at Ajax, but he may have lost his confidence and hunger along the way.
According to Lennon, players of Van de Beek’s caliber often just need a fresh start to regain their form. He suggests that Celtic could be the place for Van de Beek to find that restart. However, Lennon acknowledges that there are significant obstacles to overcome in any potential deal involving Van de Beek. The midfielder is currently on a high salary at Manchester United, and Celtic would likely have to contribute to his wages in a loan deal.
It remains to be seen whether Manchester United would be willing to let Van de Beek go, especially considering the hefty price tag they paid for him just a year ago. However, if the Dutchman continues to struggle for playing time and fails to impress, a move away from Old Trafford may be in his best interest.
Van de Beek’s situation at Manchester United is not unique. Many talented players have struggled to adapt to new clubs and find their form. A change of scenery and a fresh start can often be the catalyst for a player’s resurgence. Celtic, with their rich history and passionate fanbase, could provide the perfect environment for Van de Beek to rediscover his best form.
While a move to Celtic may not be a guaranteed success, it could be a risk worth taking for Van de Beek. The opportunity to play regular football and regain his confidence could be invaluable for his career. Additionally, the chance to compete in European competitions, such as the Europa League, could provide Van de Beek with the platform to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage.
Ultimately, the decision lies with Van de Beek and Manchester United. If the Dutchman is willing to take a step back and prioritize playing time and development over financial gain, a move to Celtic could be the perfect solution. Only time will tell if this potential transfer becomes a reality, but one thing is clear – Donny van de Beek needs a fresh start to reignite his career, and Celtic could be the club to provide that opportunity.