It may not be a deal that will create too many back-page headlines in England but, as another Manchester United player nears his Old Trafford departure, do not underestimate the excitement his arrival on new shores will generate.
And, if you thought Manchester United’s top-flight trophy drought had gone on for long enough – the Red Devils haven’t topped the tree since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2023 – then spare a thought for Panathinaikos.
The most recent of their 20 Greek Super League titles came all the way back in 2010.
But, having finished only four points off champions PAOK last term, could the signing of Facundo Pellistri be the catalyst for a return to the summit of Greek football?
Fabrizio Romano uttered those three words on Tuesday morning; Pellistri to Panathinaikos, ‘here we go’ to the tune of £5 million.
And Greek reporter Tasos Nikologiannis believes that the Uruguayan international – who featured in the Community Shield against Pep Guardiola’s Man City just over a week ago – has the makings of a marquee, potentially game-changing signing for a club with genuine title ambitions.
Facundo Pellistri leaving Manchester United for Panathinaikos
“Panathinaikos is close to completing a huge transfer; Pellistri from Manchester United,” Nikologiannis tells Bwin Sports. “Just the fact that he played against City recently gives you an idea of the size of the transfer.
“A kid at 22, looking for the team that will give him the chance to make the jump in his career. We are in the final phase. An effort is being made to get him on the (squad) list.”
Panathinaikos have also brought in fellow winger Tete from Galatasaray for a similar fee.
George Baldock has joined too from Sheffield United, alongside Poland international goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski, and two full-backs in ex-PSV flyer Philipp Max and one-time Bayer Leverkusen man Tin Jedvaj.
Romano claims that head coach Diego Alonso played a massive role in luring Pellistri to Greece. Nikologiannis, meanwhile, has heard the same.
“One understands, with the presence of both Pellistri and Tete, (Panathinaikos) greatly raises the level in the extreme,” the reporter adds.
“He comes because the significant amount (of focus) that was given by the management of Panathinaikos, which pours in a lot of money and shows (how interested they are) in actions rather than in words.
“The second reason is Alonso. He had frequent communication with him and seems to have done a very good job.”
La Liga return no longer on the cards for Uruguay ace
Panathinaikos were one of two clubs mentioned by Pellistri’s agent earlier in the summer. Also interested, he said, were Real Valladolid of La Liga.
Capped 22 times by Uruguay already, Pellistri joined Man United in a £9 million deal from Penarol back in 2020. He made only 13 Premier League appearances however – much to the frustration of his camp – while underwhelming loan spells at Alaves and Granada did little to enhance his reputation.
“Facundo Pellistri has been the burning desire of Diego Alonso all summer,” journalist Nikos Athanasiou also tells Bwin Sports. “He is a player who had been requested by the manager of Panathinaikos, as he believes that he can do the job for him both right and left.
“Very good player. Fast, with excellent technical training. It is a very beautiful bet for Alonso, to be able to transform all these characteristics of Pellistri into numbers.
“Panathinaikos will have made another huge move. The player is ok, Alonso has convinced him, so he is looking to arrange (the deal) during the day and bring him straight away. If this transfer is completed, it will have greatly strengthened the wings which was also the big question of the summer.”
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
