MANCHESTER UNITED
Manchester United close to renewing Facundo Pellistri
The Red Devils are eager to extend the Uruguayan’s contract despite offering him few first team opportunities this season.
Uruguayan forward Facundo Pellistri has struggled to make an impact at Manchester United since his 2021 switch from Peñarol but he now looks set to be offered a new deal at the club.
Erik Ten Hag is thought to have been impressed by the 21-year-old in training and is willing to extend his time at Old Trafford for a further five years, taking him up to 2028. The Uruguayan, already a full international with La Celeste, is thought to be the target of a number of clubs on a loan basis next season.
Ten Hag’s team have improved this season but a number of United’s forward options have struggled for form. The likes of Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Antony have not lived up to expectations and the Dutchman is expected to bring in a new striker this summer to bolster his option.
In his previous posting the former Ajax boss was known for placing his faith in the club’s young prospects and Alejandro Garnacho has starred for United in recent months. There will be hopes that Ten Hag can coax similar performances out of Facundo Pellistri.
Will Facundo Pellistri go out on loan?
Some United fans may be surprised to learn that Pellistri, who is yet to make a Premier League start, will be offered a new deal. The forward was recommended to then-United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer by Diego Forlan, another Uruguayan who played at Old Trafford.
Since moving to Europe Pellistri has twice been sent out on loan to Spanish side Deportivo Alavés, making a total of 33 LaLiga appearances.
There had been some suggestion of a potential return to Uruguay but reports now indicate that Pellistri will be staying in Manchester. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Pellistri is now seen as a part of Ten Hag’s first team squad and he will remain at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.