Erik ten Hag has a massive rebuilding job on his hands at Manchester United – and he may well look to the Eredivisie when making new signings in the summer.
Ten Hag, who is currently in charge of Ajax, has spent the majority of his coaching career in the Netherlands and has an extensive knowledge of players in the Eredivisie.
While United are reportedly wary of signing Eredivisie-based players due to the struggles of Memphis Depay and Donny van de Beek, the manager will have the final say on any transfers.
We’ve taken a look at five Eredivisie players that Ten Hag could try and bring to Old Trafford in the summer. Note: we’ve not included Ryan Gravenberch or Noussair Mazraoui, who have been linked with United but look set to join Bayern Munich on free transfers.
Antony
Despite giving Borussia Dortmund £73million for Jadon Sancho last summer, United are still looking for the solution to their right-wing problem.
Alongside Anthony Elanga, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, Sancho’s best performances in a United shirt have come from the left flank.
Ten Hag reportedly wants to fill United’s right-wing void with Antony, who has spent the last two seasons at Ajax and is valued at around £50million.
The 22-year-old Brazil international has been in brilliant form for Ajax throughout 2021-22, registering 12 goals and 10 assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.
He would likely be a fan favourite at Old Trafford owing to his excellent dribbling ability and could help United unlock Premier League defences.
“We all miss him,” Ten Hag said in April 2022 after Antony spent a few weeks on the sidelines. “Without Antony, it is all a bit less fast and dynamic on the right, which also makes it more difficult for the team. Then the spaces become a lot smaller.”
Cody Gakpo
Ten Hag and Gakpo have been on opposing sides for the last four years but that could be about to change.
Gakpo made his senior PSV Eindhoven debut in 2018 and has since…