Donny van de Beek to Manchester United: Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk pleased Dutch star is joining 'great club'

Tom Doyle1 September 2020

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has wished Donny van de Beek well as his compatriot closes in on a £40million move to Liverpool's rivals Manchester United.

Standard Sport understands that talks progressed significantly between United and Ajax this weekend, with Van de Beek set to sign a five-year contract.

Van de Beek is currently on international duty with the Dutch squad, and was allowed to join up with the squad after undergoing a medical in the Netherlands on Monday.

The 23-year-old midfielder's father, Andre, has described the deal as a "dream come true" for Donny, and Liverpool star Van Dijk believes Van de Beek is making a good choice in moving to the Premier League - even if it is to Liverpool's north-west rivals.

"[The transfer] looks like it's going to happen indeed," Van Dijlk told reporters on Monday.

Getty Images

"From my heart, I wish him the best. It's wonderful for him, it's a nice step for him to move to a great club as a Dutch player.

"Also the same for Nathan Ake, who moves to Manchester City. I'm glad for both of them."

Van de Beek's father had previously said: "Our local village is very proud.

"It’s the perfect moment for him to make this step to such a beautiful club, but Ajax will always remain in our heart.

"A lot of clubs were interested, but Donny took this decision himself."

In Pictures | Manchester United summer transfer window 2020

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The transfer has also gotten the seal of approval from former Ajax and Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart, who told NOS: "Donny deserves this transfer so much.

"He has played excellent for Ajax. And Manchester United really need this kind of player in their team.

"This transfer is fantastic for us [Dutch] too. We are all going to follow him now. This move is so deserved."

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