Manchester United could use the week remaining in the January transfer window to find a suitable loan club for teenage summer signing Facundo Pellistri. But the Uruguayan is still part of the long-term plans at Old Trafford, so any loan move at for the benefit of its development.
Pellistri joined United for around £ 8million from Penarol on the transfer deadline day in October and has deliberately been given enough time to settle in and adjust to his new surroundings. This means the youngster, who turned 19 in December, is still awaiting his first-team debut and has so far only played for the club’s Under-23 team.
Fans were hoping that Pellistri, having been benched several times in the Champions League, could step onto the pitch when United face Watford in the FA Cup third round earlier this month. But a positive coronavirus test before the game ruled it out.
Athletic note that there is already a feeling that the young winger has passed the Under-23 team, although he is not absolutely ready for a full-time role in the first team.
The club are therefore said to be open to sending him on loan, although any offer will be subject to serious “scrutiny” to ensure that a potential transfer will be beneficial. As such, there is a reluctance to consider the Championship as an option due to the physical nature of the league.
Instead, Celta Vigo and Lyon are cited as possible destinations. Spain in particular can be attractive as there is no language barrier for the player, while Lyon are said to have been interested in Pellistri before signing with United.
Pellistri was coached by former United cult hero Diego Forlan in Penarol, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer contacted his ex-teammate for a first-hand reference.
“It seemed like an ideal club for him because they were going to give him time [to settle]. Even though he could have come and played straight, he’s a young boy, you can’t rush him because he has conditions to keep growing and improving, ”said Forlan 90 mins last month.
“Little by little, he will have his chance. The coach will see when is the best time [to play him], because he arrived at a club that is run that way and that’s the beauty of it. “
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