Manchester United are likely to focus on outgoings before incomings in the January transfer window as Erik ten Hag looks to balance the books. Donny van de Beek is set to depart on January 1, and another midfielder might not be too far behind, according to reports.
Van de Beek is primed to join Eintracht Frankfurt on loan until the end of the season when the winter window opens after completing his medical earlier this week.
Frankfurt reportedly have an option to make the move permanent for £13m in the summer, should Van de Beek reignite his career in Germany over the coming months.
But another midfielder in Ten Hag’s ranks could leave permanently as early as in the New Year, based on current reported probabilities.
Norway-based reporter Fredrik N. Filtvedt has posted an update on Isak Hansen-Aaroen’s future on the Manchester United Supporters Club Scandinavia website.
The 16-year-old has regularly trained with Ten Hag’s senior squad and has featured in pre-season games against Rayo Vallecano, Leeds United and Lyon since the Dutchman took charge.
However, United could be set to lose the talented Norwegian teenager next month due to his lack of first-team opportunities.
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Filtvedt reports that Hansen-Aaroen is currently in negotiations with United over a contract extension beyond next summer’s expiry.
The 19-year-old midfielder is said to have three options: penning a new deal and staying in the hope of a chance like Willy Kambwala’s against West Ham United, extending his stay and leaving on loan, or permanently departing Old Trafford.
And it’s claimed that a permanent exit currently looks like the most likely outcome, which would come as a major blow for Ten Hag.
The report adds that United consider Hansen-Aaroen a ‘Category A’ player – meaning he’s a youth star many at the club believe can develop into a key squad member.
But the Norway U21 international is still waiting for his competitive debut while seeing fellow teens Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo break into the first team under Ten Hag.
That’s despite the relentless injury issues United have suffered in midfield this season – seeing Casemiro, Mainoo, Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen all face spells on the sidelines.
There is said to be interest in Hansen-Aaroen from Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy.
Ten Hag will likely be keen for the starlet to commit his future to his project, though, while he proves there is a pathway for the club’s youth if they’re good enough.
