Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri has been sent on loan to Granada in La Liga before Thursday's transfer deadline. The Uruguay international, who joined for £9 million in 2020, has lost his chances under Ten Hag and is looking to find a way out of Spain.
Talks stalled last week after Manchester United and Granada disagreed over the payment of wages on loan. However, all three sides want to get the deal done, with Granada in 19th place looking to strengthen their relegation efforts, the Red Devils looking to reduce their wage burden, and Pellistri himself wanting to stay on the bench.
The 22-year-old did not come off the bench in Manchester United's FA Cup fourth-round win over Newport County, with Ten Hag opting Academy graduate Omari Forson over Pellistri for his substitution.
With Anthony Martial sidelined until April, United currently have just six strikers up front, but the Uruguayan winger has not been given a chance, which is a good indication of his low back in the playing order.
In the right winger position, Ten Hag has recently reused Garnacho as a regular and Mr. Antony is also a favourite of the Manchester United manager, breaking a 31-game goal drought in the FA Cup. Before Pellistri, there was also the 40 million transfer of Amad Diallo, who was also disgruntled by not playing in the FA Cup.
Pellistri has not started for Manchester United since September, so he has opted to leave. The Uruguay international has already spent two loan spells at La Liga Alaves to get an idea of the style of football there. Pep had planned to seek another loan spell last summer, but Diallo's serious injury in pre-season put his plans abrupt and Ten Hag needed him to stay on the bench.
Pellistri's departure could have an impact on Fossen's future. This month, the 18-year-old Academy striker rejected Manchester United's new contract offer and explored the possibility of a permanent move. The Red Devils do not want to lose Forson and are still trying to persuade him to renew his contract.
Meanwhile, United plan to keep Diallo after the winter transfer window closes, having recovered from a five-month knee injury and completing his comeback in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest. This means Ten Hag already has plenty of right wingers to allow Pellistri to leave.
Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said on Monday: "Granada have reached an agreement with Manchester United over Pellistri's loan and the deal now depends on Ten Hag giving the green light. All parties are awaiting a final decision from the United manager, with documents and travel matters in place. 」
Manchester United are now in their most productive season and Ten Hag is in a strong position ahead of Wolves' Premier League trip on Thursday, with Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro all returning from injury, and Andre Onana set to return after Cameroon's Africa Cup of Nations exits. At the same time, England demon star Marcus Rashford's clubbing turmoil has been dealt with and will return to the squad.
Ten Hag said: 'Yes, this is probably the first time in my tenure as manager that I can pick the best squad from the squad. I believe it's very important because, first of all, now they have to be 100 per cent fit and the FA Cup game has definitely helped. But the Premier League is more intense and they have to stay at a high level, but I think the cup is very helpful to take the next step and get ready for Wolves on Thursday. 」
As a result, the British media confirmed that Ten Hag had nodded to Pellistri on Monday, and the Uruguayan winger will fly to Spain on Tuesday to undergo a medical and sign for Granada.