Varun Pai
Facundo Pellistri hints that Jadon Sancho was a key reason for leaving Manchester United and joining Deportivo Alaves this summer
Speaking to The Athletic (h/t Express), Facundo Pellistri has revealed that he joined Deportivo Alaves this summer because of new arrivals like Jadon Sancho at Manchester United.
The 19-year-old completed a move from Uruguayan club Penarol last summer. However, a move for Sancho was also being negotiated during that period, but Borussia Dortmund apparently priced United out of a move.
Regardless, Pellistri’s chances were far and few, courtesy of which he completed a loan move to Alaves for the second half of last season. He made 12 appearances there and impressed. While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did use him in the club’s pre-season games this season, he was sent out on loan again, and the Red Devils finally landed Sancho.
The Uruguayan has now revealed that the Englishman was one of the reasons for him leaving the club this summer. He told The Athletic (h/t Express):
“I felt stronger in the first team, I scored in a game at Derby for the first team. It was a very hard pre-season, the hardest I’ve ever had. Physically, you are really pushed, the training is at such a high level.
“New players came in, including in my position (Sancho), so I thought it was a good idea to go on loan again. The best thing for a player is to play, and for a young player, to get experience.”
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While the budding youngster is still learning his trade, Sancho had already established himself at Dortmund and also had reasonable experience in the Champions League.
However, the 19-year-old can now showcase his talent in La Liga and if he does catch Solskjaer’s eye, Pellistri could be a part of the first-team squad at Old Trafford next summer, or perhaps even sooner.
