SANTIAGO, CHILE - SEPTEMBER 15: Facundo Pellistri of Peñarol celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during a group C match between Colo Colo and Peñarol as part of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2020 at Estadio Monumental on September 15, 2020 in Santiago, Chile. (Photo by Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images)
Manchester United have signed young Uruguayan attacker Facundo Pellistri for £9m, according to Evening Standard.
Facundo Pellistri, 18, started his youth career at La Picada and also went on to play for the academies of River Plate Montevideo and CA Penarol.
CA Penarol promoted him to their senior side in January 2019 and made his professional debut for the club in August against Defensor Sporting. He scored his first-ever goal for the club in November against Club Atletico Cerro.
So far, he has made 37 appearances for Penarol, while scoring twice and assisting 4 goals (source – Transfermarkt). The youngster has not featured for the national team as of now.
Manchester United have rich history of taking a punt on young players. Be it Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo or Anthony Martial, the club have never shied away from splashing the big bucks for them.
The deal does look like a similar one. Despite his young age, Pellistri has shown promise for Penarol. Also, it needs to be noted that he is a right-winger. A position the club desperately need players in.
Pellistri fits the bill of players Manchester United have signed in recent seasons. Young and filled with potential, just waiting to make a mark on the big stage.
While his numbers aren’t really sparkling, there is no doubting his talent. He has caught the eyes of Manchester United with his talent so far and that is a good sign given the number of talented youngsters the club tends to develop.
While it seems like the player is too young and inexperienced to make the move, Manchester United have taken a chance on the youngster. The Red Devils can only hope that he keeps up his good form and growth to help them.
