Barcelona Could Sign Manchester United Midfielder Who Is Behind Pogba, Fernandes In Pecking Order

FC Barcelona have reportedly made Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek their transfer target this summer.

Barcelona could consider signing Van de Beek on a season-long loan ahead of the 2021-22 campaign, reported Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo.

Van de Beek, who moved from Ajax to Manchester United at a fee of $55 million last summer, had a frustrating first season at Old Trafford, scoring only one goal, providing two assists and spending just 1,456 minutes on the field across 36 games.

With Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes in the picture, Van de Beek is always believed to be below in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s pecking order.

It is understood that Manchester United have contacted Barcelona over a possible transfer of Van de Beek. The Red Devils are also believed to be ready to let the Dutchman go at a cut-price, according to soccer website Football Espana.

Considering Barcelona’s ongoing financial crisis, the Catalans are not in a position to buy Van de Beek and hence the club president Joan Laporta could go for a loan deal. Barcelona could also include Samuel Umtiti, who head coach Ronald Koeman wants to off loan this summer, as part of a swap deal for Van de Beek, according to soccer website Teamtalk.

Van de Beek has become the latest midfielder to have been linked with Barcelona, alongside the likes of Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez and Lille star Renato Sanches.

It has been reported that a deal for Niguez has become complicated ever since Antoine Griezmann discovered through the news that he may be leaving Barcelona as part of a swap deal that would bring Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid to Camp Nou.

Barcelona are currently trying to reduce their wage bill. Since Lionel Messi has accepted a major pay cut in his new deal, Griezmann has become the highest earner at the Catalan club. An irked Griezmann has demanded Barcelona to cover the wage cut he would have to bear in signing for Atletico Madrid.

Griezmann, who moved from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona in the summer of 2019, was the best player for the Catalans after captain Messi last season. In 51 appearances across all competitions, the 2018 World Cup winner scored 20 goals and further provided 13 assists. Out of the 20 goals, 13 came in La Liga. He also made significant contributions in their successful Copa del Rey campaign, scoring three goals and four assists.