Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri could be just ‘hours’ away from a return to La Liga with Granada now in talks to sign the Premier League benchwarmer.
While the speedy forward’s lack of minutes has been the subject of much discussion on social media recently, the simple facts are these. Even during the absences of Jadon Sancho and Antony, and with Marcus Rashford out of sorts in recent months, Facundo Pellistri has still started only one Premier League game this season.
What’s more, when opportunities have been forthcoming – like in September’s dismal home defeat to Crystal Palace – the £9 million signing from Penarol did little to suggest that he was a genuine solution to Manchester United’s attacking struggles either in the present or, for that matter, the future.
Facundo Pellistri nearing Manchester United exit
Pellistri’s strangely lofty reputation in some questions of the Red Devils fanbase appear to be based on little more than the odd eye-catching display for Uruguay, and that impressive assists against Real Betis nearly 12 months ago.
Those behind the scenes at Man United clearly don’t rate Pellistri quite so highly. HITC Football understands that United would be willing to consider permanent bids, as well as temporary ones, this month.
At this stage, the nature of Granada’s offer – whether it is a straight loan or with a purchase clause included – is anyone’s guess. But with talks seemingly at an advanced stage, things should become clear sooner rather than later, Pellistri returning to Spain after a previous spell at Deportivo Alaves.
“Green light from Facu Pellistri,” Fabrizio Romano writes on X. “He’s keen on joining Granada on loan from Man United. Negotiations ongoing now between Man Utd and Granada.
Granada appear to have fought off competition from Villarreal and LA Galaxy. The presence of two other Uruguayans in the Nuevo Estadio de Los Carmenes dressing room will surely have had an impact on Pellistri’s decision.
“(Coach) Cuacique Medina asked for Facundo Pellistri at Granada,” explains Uruguayan publication Traspasos. “The Manchester United player wants to join the Spanish team and has already let his club know.
“(The deal) closes in these (coming) hours. He would be the third Uruguayan on the team that already has Bruno Mendez and Matias Arezo.”
Another January departure from Old Trafford
There were reports linking Pellistri with PSV Eindhoven too. The Eredivisie leaders slammed that door shut last week, however.
Pellistri is now set to join Sevilla newbie Hannibal Mejbri in Spain. Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho have also departed on initial loan deals.
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