Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Premier League

Man Utd seal FOURTH deadline-day transfer as Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri, 18, joins for £9m from Penarol

MANCHESTER UNITED have completed their fourth deadline-day transfer by landing Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri.

The Penarol sensation is only 18 but joins in an £9million deal on a five-year contract with an option for a further year.

Manchester United have completed the £8m signing of Facundo Pellistri from Penarol

Pellistri follows Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani and Amad Traore as new faces through the door at Old Trafford on the final day of the transfer window.

He said: “To join a club with the history of Manchester United is a dream come true. I have learnt a lot at Penarol and I would like to thank them for everything they have done for me.

To have the confidence of the manager is an amazing feeling and I know that working with him will be perfect for my development.


MAN UTD NEWS LIVE: Click here for the latest United news


“I am coming into a squad full of great players who I will learn from every day.

Everyone knows that Manchester United is a club that gives young players an opportunity and I am ready to work hard every day to earn those chances and prove myself in England.

Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits it will take time for the young player to adapt to the Premier League but believes United fans will eventually see an exciting talent.

He added: “Our scouts have followed Facundo for a long time and we believe that he will be a real talent for the long term.

Whilst we understand it will take time for him to adapt to the English game, he is capable of having an impact with his pace and ability to beat his opponent.

“Facundo has the perfect platform at Manchester United to develop and he has all of the technical qualities and the right mentality required to become a top player here.

We are all looking forward to working with him to fulfil his potential over the coming years.”

The winger is not the star-studded name United fans were hoping for as they missed out on Jadon Sancho and Ousmane Dembele.

But Pellestri is very highly-rated in his home nation and is tipped to rise to the very top.

The teenager has played 37 times for the Uruguayan Primera Divison outfit but will not be thrown straight into the first team.

Similarly, Traore will link up with United in January due to work permit problems for the Ivorian teenager.

He secured a £37m switch from Atalanta with £19m up front and a further £18m to come based on appearances and achievements.

United have scouted Traore for four years, as he came through the Serie A club’s academy, which is regarded as one of the best in Italy.

Equally good with both feet he can play on either wing.

Traore scored just four minutes into his league debut last October after coming on as a 79th-minute substitute in a 7-1 home win over Udinese.

The Ivorian made just three appearances in Italy’s top flight last season but was being watched by a host of top club’s around Europe.