Transfer Centre

Facundo Pellistri 'set to join Granada on loan before January deadline'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 29 January 2024

Manchester United's Facundo Pelllistri is set to join La Liga outfit Granada on loan before the end of the January transfer window, according to a report.

Manchester United forward Facundo Pellistri is reportedly set to complete a loan switch to La Liga outfit Granada before the end of the January transfer window.

There has been a host of speculation surrounding the Uruguay international's future this month, with a number of clubs believed to have expressed an interest in signing him on loan.

Pellistri has made 14 appearances for Erik ten Hag's side this season, including nine outings in the Premier League, but he has only started once in England's top flight in 2023-24.

The 22-year-old was in the squad for Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round clash with Newport County, but he was an unused substitute, with Omari Forson picked ahead of him to come on in the latter stages of the clash.

There have been claims over the last couple of days that Pellestri could remain at Old Trafford, with Man United short of options in the final third of the field.

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho celebrates scoring their first goal with Mason Mount and Facundo Pellistri on September 26, 2023 © Reuters

Jadon Sancho returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan earlier this month, while Antony Martial will be missing for at least 10 weeks following a groin operation.

Rasmus Hojlund is therefore the club's only fit senior centre-forward, and Ten Hag has said that there will not be a new addition before the end of the January transfer window.

However, despite the speculation surrounding Amad Diallo, the 21-year-old is expected to remain at Man United beyond the winter deadline, which will open the door for Pellistri to leave.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the South American's proposed move to Granada 'is back on', and he is set to join the La Liga outfit on loan for the second half of the campaign.

Real Betis attacker Juanmi in action with Manchester United's Facundo Pellistri on March 16, 2023 © Reuters

Pellistri arrived at Old Trafford from Penarol in 2020, and he has made 24 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions, contributing two assists in the process.

The forward only has a contract with Man United until next June, although the club have the option to activate an extension to take him to the summer of 2026.

Pellistri has experience of playing in Spain's top flight, having represented Alaves on 33 occasions in the competition during two separate loan spells in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Granada are in need of a boost at this stage of the season, with Alexander Medina's side currently sitting down in 19th position in the La Liga table, six points from the safety of 17th position.

Should a move go through ahead of Thursday's deadline, the forward could potentially make his debut for the Spanish club in Saturday's La Liga clash with Las Palmas.