Real Madrid: 5 possible center midfield transfer targets

Donny van de Beek

Ajax star Donny van de Beek reportedly signed a pre-agreed deal with Real Madrid worth 55 million euros in the winter transfer window for a move in the summer of 2020, but since transfer values will plummet, the deal is no longer effective.

Still, van de Beek could be on Los Blancos’ radar. It’s unclear if Zinedine Zidane even wants the player, with his eyes on Paul Pogba and Eduardo Camavinga, but the traits that made van de Beek attractive to Real’s other decision-makers could win the day.

Van de Beek is another wonderful young center midfielder who has the tools to become a great player for a big club. He has been a consummate professional at Ajax and profiles as a true leader.

Last season, the man wearing the No. 6 scored eight goals with five assists in the Eredivisie. One of van de Beek’s calling cards is his versatility, as he successfully played as a defensive midfielder, center midfielder, and attacking midfielder for the Netherlands’ top club in 2019-2020.

The 22-year-old averaged an excellent 1.8 key passes per game and two tackles per game, showing incredible all-around ability. Van de Beek looks like a more attractive option than Ruiz, since he’s younger, better at defending, more versatile, and more incisive. He could be a fantastic backup player for Real in 2020-2021 if Los Blancos still want to make this signing.