Van de Beek details failed Real Madrid move as Man Utd beat 5 clubs to transfer

Donny van de Beek has admitted he was p***** off after a proposed move to Real Madrid fell through earlier this year.

The new Man Utd signing was in hot demand following his impressive displays for Ajax and Madrid had already agreed a deal to take him to the Bernabeu back in March.

However despite all the requirements being in place, Madrid eventually backed out of the deal as the coronavirus pandemic threw football's finances into disarray.

“As you know, everything was settled with Real Madrid," Van de Beek explained to the Telegraaf. "The clubs even had an agreement, but for some reason it didn't work out in the end.

"At that time I was pissed off because I didn't know whether such an opportunity would come up again."

Pressed on why he felt the transfer wasn't concluded, he added: "I think it was because the players who were supposed to leave stayed. That's probably why Real Madrid refrained from me."

Their loss was United's gain as the Red Devils completed a £40million move for the 23-year-old last week.

But it wasn't a clear path to the Dutchman.

His agent Sjaak Swart told Sport Witness that four other clubs were courting van de Beek for his signature as well as Madrid and United.

Barcelona, Juventus and Arsenal were all also interested, while the sixth club were unnamed, but it was United who got their man.

“In March everything was ready for him to move to Real Madrid," Swart said. "But the pandemic delayed everything.

“The clubs don't make transfers if they haven't sold anything before. The whole picture has become distorted."

Arsenal were particularly keen on the midfielder but were unable to meet Ajax's demands.

“Yes, they really wanted him,” Swart added.

“But they just couldn’t get the money for a transfer. Even the biggest clubs struggle. Arsenal is a great club, but Manchester United will certainly be an interesting adventure.”