Manchester United prospect Facundo Pellistri has joined Deportivo Alaves on loan for the duration of the 2021/22 campaign, having spent the second half of last season with the La Liga side.
Pellistri, who joined United last October from Uruguayan giants Penarol, has impressed while with the first team during pre-season. The teenager scored a fine solo goal in a friendly against Derby last month but a loan has always been the likely plan for him this term.
Speaking after the Derby game, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “There’s been loads of interest and for his best interests as well, I think a loan will be what we look for.
“I think he shows what he is, he’s a difficult player to play against. One against one he can go up past people and I’m very pleased with him.”
Pellistri was initially part of United’s Under-23 squad when he first arrived in England last autumn and soon impressed at the junior level. However, just as it appeared that he might be in contention for a first-team debut when United were paired with Watford in the FA Cup third round in early January, the youngster tested positive for coronavirus and was ruled out of contention.
Once he completed the necessary quarantine and self-isolation, a loan to Alaves was arranged in the hope of providing better playing opportunities in the short-term and easing his adaptation to life in Europe by removing the language barrier.
Pellistri, who will turn 20 in December, went on to play 12 times for an Alaves side that finished 16th in La Liga. He started five of those games and it is hoped that he will play much more this season.
Pellistri is one of a number of exciting attacking talents at United, with Anthony Elanga, Shola Shoretire and Amad Diallo all hoping for chances at Old Trafford.
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Source : 90min