Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has stumbled upon a frustrating situation at Old Trafford with what he had hoped would be a potential financial boost now in question.
Midfielder Andreas Pereira has been expected to quit Old Trafford this summer and provide the Red Devils with a useful addition to their transfer kitty. His destination was anticipated to Brazilian club Flamengo with the 26-year-old having enjoyed a successful loan spell. It was thought that a £8.5m permanent buy option was slotted into the original deal but so far there has been no movement on a switch back to Brazil - with Flamengo refusing to stump up the required fee.
Now, with his loan spell at the club having expired after 52 appearances and eight goals, Pereira has expressed his desire to return to the club in some capacity. He said: “I’m not the one who decides - it’s up to Man United. I would like to stay at Flamengo, but it's not in my hands. I'll see what's best for me and the club. I love Flamengo. We will soon speak and decide.”
He continued: “The relationship between myself and Flamengo has always been very good. This year was incredible for me. If it doesn't work out, I'll always leave with my head held high. I love the club, I love Flamengo, I'm Flamengo. If I leave, I will come back in the future.”
That news will certainly leave the Old Trafford hierarchy frustrated amid interest from elsewhere - notably Premier League new boys Fulham.
The Cottagers have made a potential £11million move - more than United were set to receive from Flamengo - but are having to wait for an answer.
But with the Brazilian only seemingly interested in a switch back to his homeland, there is an impasse over his exit, meaning that the Red Devils could well receive nothing for his services. He is out of contract in just 12 months’ time and would be able to leave on a free transfer.
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It is hard to see him making an impact on the first-team should he not manage to seal a permanent exit from Old Trafford. He has not appeared for the club since a second-half cameo against LASK in the Europa League last-16 in 2020.
Since then, he had a loan spell in Serie A with Lazio before joining Flamengo. In all, Pereira has made 75 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring just four goals in all competitions. Whilst he is a candidate to leave, he could join a vast array of players to quit the club between now and deadline day. Erik ten Hag has elected to sell Alex Telles, whilst fellow defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka also has an uncertain future.
Cristiano Ronaldo has also thrown his commitment into huge doubt by asking to leave.
