Man Utd to offer starlet new contract

Tom Weber

• 7 Apr 2023 19:50 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are keen to offer young talent Facundo Pellistri a bumper new contract.

The 21-year-old has found life at Old Trafford rather tough since his €8.5 million move from Penarol in his native Uruguay to United in 2020. Indeed, since then, he has mostly featured in substitute appearances for the first team. His only start for the senior outfit came in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16 against Real Betis, the result of which was a foregone conclusion after United's 4-1 first-leg victory.

Consequently, his value has dipped in recent times. FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm only rates the attacking midfielder at an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €3.6m now, a massive drop-off from his November 2021 peak of €10.5m.

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Having previously had two consecutive loan spells at Deportivo Alaves that saw him feature quite regularly, albeit with not a single goal contribution to show for it, there were suggestions before this season that he could finally break into the Red Devils' first team, but that has not materialised. Despite this, Manchester United are reportedly keen to keep the young Uruguayan around. In fact, they are said to be 'very happy' with his development.

A new contract

Having only been signed in 2020, Pellistri's current deal at Old Trafford still runs until 2025, but transfer guru Fabrizio Romano is reporting that talks over a new and improved deal will already commence soon.

"Manchester United have clear in mind the plan to offer Facundo Pellistri a new contract," Romano announced to his 14.3 million followers on Twitter. "Understand direct talks with his agents will take place this month."

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Moreover, despite Pellistri's limited game time under the coaching regime of the Dutchman, "[Erik] Ten Hag and the board are very happy with his development." The Italian journalist concluded: "New long-term deal will be discussed very soon."