Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Talks ‘advanced’ for Man Utd forward’s departure against Ten Hag wishes in identical switch to 2021 move

Charlie McNeill, Daniel Gore and Facundo Pellistri

Man Utd have reached an “advanced” stage in negotiations to offload one of their attackers despite recent claims that Erik ten Hag wanted to keep him around.

Man Utd recently added to their attack by bringing in Wout Weghorst on loan for the rest of the season. His arrival accounted for the release of Cristiano Ronaldo earlier in the campaign.

There has also been a departure from their frontline, as they spotted an opportunity for academy prospect Shola Shoretire to develop on loan with Bolton Wanderers.

Now, the attention has turned to the next player they could be sending elsewhere on a temporary basis. Precisely, interest has been building in Facundo Pellistri.

The Uruguay international has still never made his Premier League debut, despite arriving at the club in 2020. Within that time, he endured 18 months on loan in La Liga with Alaves.

Back in the fold for this season, Pellistri – who is still only 21 years old – finally made his first Man Utd appearance in their Carabao Cup win over Charlton Athletic earlier this month. He made an impact too, contributing the assist for their second goal, scored by Marcus Rashford.

It prompted reports that Erik ten Hag would be standing in the way of any loan exit for Pellistri this month.

However, there has been a twist, with Globo now claiming that the winger is close to a move back to South America this month.

According to the report, Flamengo have “advanced” with their negotiations to take Pellistri on loan for the season. It isn’t exactly clear whether that means the rest of the English season, running until May, or the Brazilian season, which runs from April to December.

Whatever the exact formula, Flamengo will be willing to pay Pellistri’s salary in full. It also appears they may determine his transfer value in advance of any potential permanent move.

Pellistri to follow in Pereira footsteps with Man Utd exit

By moving from Man Utd to Flamengo on loan, Pellistri would be repeating the move Andreas Pereira made in 2021. The midfielder never played for Man Utd again after that departure, ending up at Fulham instead.

In fact, the report cites Pereira’s previous move as a reason why relations are good between Man Utd and Flamengo, paving the way for Pellistri’s switch.

Pellistri’s long-term prospects at Old Trafford remain somewhat questionable. Ten Hag might be starting to see something in him, which could give him hope of making an impact before his contract expires in 2025.

But if he does well in Brazil, then he might feel more comfortable staying in South America, where he seems to be more highly rated.

Indeed, Botafogo have also been keen to sign him, while some suitors remain in Europe. But it looks like Flamengo will be the next club Pellistri plays for.

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