Roland Cutinho
Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri is close to agreeing to a new contract amid interest from loan side FC Twente
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are making progress in talks to extend the contract of youngster Facundo Pellistri.
As per the journalist, the club is planning to hand him a new long-term deal before sending him on loan this summer. Dutch outfit FC Twente could be his most likely destination.
Pellistri has two years remaining on his current contract, and after making a positive impression on Ten Hag with his limited appearances last season, the Red Devils envision a future for him at Old Trafford.
While the gaffer appears interested in keeping Pellistri at the club, he may have no other option but to send him out on loan in the 2023-24 season due to the abundance of wingers already present at the club.
United also have Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jadon Sancho at their disposal on the flanks. Hence, it’s better to evade the competition in favour of regular game time.
The Uruguayan has showcased his potential in pre-season, suggesting he could make a significant impact in the Eredivisie.
In a recent match against Athletic Bilbao, the former Alaves loanee scored a crucial 93rd-minute equaliser, cleaning up Harry Maguire’s mistake that led to the Spanish side’s first-half goal.
While Ten Hag highly rates Pellistri, United are unable to provide him with the necessary playing time to further develop his skills.
Even if they were inclined to keep him for another season, the situation isn’t straightforward. The 21-year-old has demonstrated his potential to become a top-tier winger, but achieving it hinges on regular playing opportunities, which may not be feasible at Old Trafford.
Pellistri’s game time at the club level has been drastically reduced in recent times. A loan spell at La Liga side Alaves saw him struggle to make an impact, providing no goals or assists in 21 appearances during the 2021-22 season.
In the previous year, he didn’t go out on loan but had minimal playing time, featuring for only 280 minutes across all competitions, which was a wasted opportunity for his development.
Despite these challenges, Pellistri has shown glimpses of promise whenever he has been given the chance to play.
His direct running and traditional winger qualities, such as getting to the byline and delivering crosses, bring a different dimension to United’s attacking options.
If managed and nurtured correctly, the English giants could have a talented player on their hands, capable of unsettling defences with his close control and skill.
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Ten Hag seems to believe that a return to his former club is the best course of action for Pellistri’s development. But first, they will be focused on tying him to a new contract.
