Man Utd transfer takes ‘significant step’ with attacker expected to leave before deadline day

Facundo Pellistri’s loan move to Granada is expected to be completed before transfer deadline day, according to reports.

The Manchester United winger’s short-term switch to the Spanish side ‘took a significant step forward on Monday’, claim The Athletic. The outlet add Pellistri is expected to travel to Spain on Tuesday and finalise the loan move, with Granada set to cover part of the player’s wages, while no buy has been option inserted in the deal.

The 22-year-old has made 14 appearances for United this season with his most recent outing coming in the FA Cup third-round win over Wigan Athletic. Pellistri has started just once in the Premier League this term and Erik ten Hag appears willing to let the Uruguay international leave despite Jadon Sancho’s exit this month and Anthony Martial’s injury.

Antony, Amad, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford are ahead of Pellistri in the pecking order in the wide areas, and it’s likely the latter will depart permanently at the end of the season.

The move to Granada will be Pellistri’s third loan move to La Liga, with United’s no.28 previously spending two loan periods at Deportivo Alaves. Since signing from Penarol in 2020, the attacker has made just 24 appearances, only four of which have come as starts.

Pellistri’s loan move will add to what has been a busy month of exits from United this window, with Radek Vitek, Rhys Bennett, Alvaro Fernandez, Maxi Oyedele, Dan Gore, Donny van de Beek, Hannibal, Sancho and Joe Hugill all heading out on loan, in addition to the permanent departure of Mateo Mejia.