Ronald Koeman wants Donny van de Beek at Barcelona

Barcelona appointed Ronald Koeman as new manager

The Dutch manager makes Van de Beek as a transfer priority.

Ronald Koeman, who is set to become the manager of FC Barcelona, reportedly wants Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek as his first signing.

Koeman has been chosen by the Catalans to lead the club in place of Quique Setien, who was a massive failure at the Camp Nou.

The Dutchman is said to have agreed a move to his former club and is expected to step down from his current role as the head coach of the Netherlands senior team.

Koeman’s announcement will be official in the coming days and he is believed to have agreed to a two-year deal.

The 57-year-old has chosen Van de Beek as his first transfer target. The Ajax midfielder had been previously linked with a move to Barca’s arch-rivals Real Madrid before the pandemic hindered the progress.

The 23-year-old gained the spotlight for his impressive season in 2018/19, where Ajax reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. He followed up with another decent season in the Dutch top-flight, racking up 10 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

Earlier, Ajax manager Erik ten Hag stated that Van de Beek could leave the club at the end of this season although he has a year left in his contract.

Meanwhile, Barca are planning for a major squad overhaul, which would show the exit doors for several first-team players.