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Facundo Pellistri made waves this pre-season but with a clogged attacking area, Manchester United are inclined to send him on loan.
However, Fabrizio Romano reports that the club’s first priority is to extend his contract, before assessing potential loan moves for the Uruguayan.
Understand Manchester United are making progress in talks to extend Facundo Pellistri’s contract. New long term deal, priority before letting him leave on loan 🇺🇾
🔴🇳🇱 Twente are pushing to have Pellistri on loan until June 2024. Man United will decide soon. pic.twitter.com/YGLMZKbeBs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2023
It is a sign of the club’s faith in Pellistri’s talent as he has impressed in bursts this pre-season.
The People’s Person recently reported that Eredivisie side FC Twente are scheduling a new round of talks to take the winger on loan and this confirms the same.
Ten Hag has reportedly pushed for FC Twente, his former club, to sign the forward instead of Boca Junior, who have also registered an interest.
This will come as good news to United fans, as Pellistri’s contract expires in 2025 with an option for another year.
While that is potentially three years from now, the new contract would arguably give the Uruguayan international confidence that the club sees a long-term future for him at Old Trafford.
He is a full Uruguayan international who plays a major role for his country.
However, his prospects at club level have been diminished to a great extent. A loan at La Liga side Alaves yielded no goal or assist in 21 appearances during the 2021/22 season.
Last year, he didn’t go out on loan but played only 280 minutes of competitive football across all competitions in what was a wasted year for his development.
Despite that, he has shown signs of life whenever he has played. His direct running and old-school winger tendencies of getting to the byline and crossing offer something different from United’s other attackers.
If nurtured correctly, United will have a proper player on their hands who could unsettle defences with his close control. Clearly, Ten Hag thinks the best step for his development is at his former side.