According to the Brazilian publication O Globo, Manchester United and Flamengo are in advanced talks about the sale of Uruguayan starlet Facundo Pellistri.
The South American attacker joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2020, but he didn’t make his Carabao Cup debut until this past month against Charlton Athletic. In his brief appearance of five minutes during the quarterfinal, Pellistri contributed an important assist, but reports suggest that he may yet leave the club before the end of January.
Recently, Botafogo were in negotiations with Pellistri, but according to O Globo, Flamengo has the advantage because of their favourable links with United.
Andreas Pereira was previously signed by the Brazilian heavyweights on a loan, and they are currently looking for a similar offer with a buy option. Pellistri has been offered a one-year loan with a buy option by Flamengo. They are willing to cover his entire salary, which Botafogo might not be able to do.
United has not yet made a final decision regarding Pellistri, but it is said that they are ‘interested’ in the offer, and negotiations with Flamengo are moving quickly.
Anthony Elanga and Pellistri have both been linked to loan moves in recent days. Borussia Dortmund is currently keeping an eye on Elanga. The United Academy graduate wants to join them on loan, but if Pellistri is leaving, a deal might not go through.
Due to the crowded schedule following the World Cup, United is currently the only English team participating in four different competitions. Therefore, losing Elanga and Pellistri without a replacement is not a good idea. Pellistri, in our opinion, has greater potential, although he is not mentioned in the manager’s plans.
The former Penarol star was signed in 2020 for about €8.5 million. By selling him to Flamengo in a year, the hierarchy will be expecting to retrieve the entire fee.
