The intriguing Man United and Crystal Palace player swap that would see both clubs finally get what they want

With Jim Ratcliffe navigating the summer transfer window with Manchester United and Erik ten Hag penning a new contract, there’s a lot to be expected from the Reds this window.

It was made clear months ago that there would be a hefty player overhaul once the season ended and The Telegraph reported back in April that United are willing to ‘listen to offers for the majority’ of their first team, including Marcus Rashford. The only players safe from the chopping block are ‘a clutch of rising stars’, according to the report.

Some names have been on the transfer list for longer than others and one man who the Red Devils are pushing to move on is Donny van de Beek. The midfielder has struggled to establish a permanent role at Old Trafford since his arrival in 2020 and has been shipped out on loan twice, while making just 62 appearances for United. The Manchester Evening News has reported that the club are ‘working on a permanent exit’ for Van de Beek this summer, as he pursues a ‘fresh start’ in his career.

United are looking to recoup some of the £40 million they initially paid for the Dutchman and are unwilling to let him leave for free when his contract expires. With all hands on deck to secure a sale, we’ve looked at a way the Red Devils could move Van de Beek on while also receiving a player they are keen on in return.

Player swaps are a fun approach to football transfers but the Premier League is looking to crack down on ‘fraudulent player transfers’ following recent ‘days of unusual activity’. When done right though, they are interesting to monitor, so we’ve thought one up that could benefit all involved.

Van de Beek was sent out on loan to Everton in 2022 but Crystal Palace had also been looking to bring him to Selhurst Park. Even after snubbing them to join the Toffees, the Eagles remained linked to the midfielder. A report from 90min last summer wrote that Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Palace were all monitoring his situation, so their interest is clearly an ongoing trend.

Palace are actively looking for new midfielders, with recent interest shown in Adam Wharton and Jobe Bellingham. The addition of Van de Beek would likely earn him a regular spot in the team and United could use him as a sweetener to sign Marc Guéhi.

The Reds are in need of a new centre-back and are having trouble convincing Everton to part ways with Jarrad Branthwaite. Focus has since shifted to Guéhi and The Telegraph reported last month that Palace would be looking for £65 million to sanction his exit. However, they remain wary of allowing him to enter the final 12 months of his contract, which expires in 2026, and while they are looking to give themselves some time with a new deal, he has not agreed anything yet.

To avoid clubs negotiating them down for a smaller fee next summer, Palace may be forced to sell Guéhi during this window. They are firm on their asking price but if United were to offer to cash plus Van de Beek, could they be tempted? Both sides would benefit from signing players they value and are interested in.

Van de Beek will likely get the regular football he has been craving. Meanwhile, Guéhi will have the chance to push for silverware with United following his Euro 2024 run. United lifted the FA Cup less than two months ago if their summer restructure goes to plan, they could return to the Premier League with a bang.