‘It is very messy’ – Rumoured Spurs target admits coronavirus has dented his transfer hopes

Ajax midfielder Donny Van de Beek, who has previously been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur has admitted that the COVID-19 pandemic may hampered his chances of a move away from the Eredivisie giants this summer.

De Beek was one of the standout performers of the Ajax side that won many admirers in Europe last season when they eliminated both Real Madrid and Juventus before eventually losing to Spurs in dramatic fashion.

While a number of the Dutch side’s main stars including Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Hakim Ziyech and Kasper Dolberg have been picked off by other European clubs, Van de Beek has surprisingly remained in Amsterdam.

Spurs were not only linked with the midfielder last summer (AS) but he was also said to be one of the options the North Londoners were looking at as a possible replacement for Christian Eriksen in January (Football.London).

Manchester United were reported to be the front-runners for the Dutch international’s signature this summer (Daily Mail).

However, Van de Beek has admitted that he could well end up staying in Amsterdam for another season due to the nature of the post-COVID transfer market.

Speaking after Ajax’s 5-1 pre-season friendly win over Utrecht on Thursday, he told Fox Sports (as relayed by Goal.com): “It is very messy, in any case, a very messy period in terms of transfers.

“Nothing is certain yet. I am still a player of Ajax and I am still proud to be there.

“If there had not been the coronavirus, it might have been different now. There is no clarity now and we have to wait and see how it turns out.

“I’m still here and after all these years I still have a lot of fun. If I also play at Ajax next season, I still have a lot of fun. You won’t hear me complaining.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Several big-money transfer deals like the Dayot Upamecano one and the Lautaro Martinez one have not progressed this summer due to the shortage of cash going around. It looks like many clubs will be looking to hold on to their prized assets until next summer in order to ensure they get the best possible value.

I can see Ajax doing the same with Van de Beek and potentially selling him for £40-£50m next summer assuming he has another good season. I believe the 23-year-old is the type of number ten that Mourinho usually likes, with the tenacity and work rate he brings to the table. However, it remains to be seen whether we would actually return for his signature.

Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Related Topics

Have something to tell us about this article? Let us know