Manchester United have been warned that they could lose “one of the best players in the world” Facundo Pellistri shortly after the World Cup.
The young Red Devils’ striker has been named in the Uruguay squad for the tournament alongside the likes of former Liverpool and Man Utd forwards Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani. It remains to be seen quite how many opportunities he will be handed by boss Diego Alonso but his own agent has backed Pellistri to seal a big-money move in the January transfer window should he enjoy a standout tournament.
Edgardo Lasalvia said: "I think that with a good World Cup, as we think it will have, his departure is imminent.”
Pellistri, 20, has yet to make his senior debut for the Red Devils despite having been signed back in 2020. The young striker was signed from Penarol and was then sent out on-loan to LaLiga side Alaves over the past 18 months.
He ended up making 35 appearances for the Spanish side over that time but could not do enough to open his goalscoring account. Regardless, the young striker has been backed by former Uruguay international Carlos Alberto Aguilera to become one of the standout players in world football.
As quoted by El Observador, he said: “I saw him for the first time in Las Acacias when he was 10 or 11 years old. At that age, he already had technique in speed. Besides, he was good to watch. Do you know how many kicks they gave him? So many. There is a reason why Manchester United bought him.
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“Facundo is going to be one of the best players in the world. I have no doubts. He has enormous potential.”
It remains to be seen whether Pellistri goes on to match those lofty expectations throughout his career or indeed which clubs would be interested in making a move for his services should he leave Old Trafford.
Before the break for the World Cup, the Uruguayan indicated his desire for more first-team opportunities with the Red Devils, something that failed to materialise.
He said: “Now in Manchester will have an important string of games, so I also hope to get minutes at the club. Erik ten Hag is a good coach, with a very clear idea; I really want to start participating in the team.”
His next opportunity to play will come with his nation as Uruguay attempt to win their third World Cup title in Qatar. They kick-off their latest campaign against South Korea on Thursday before taking on Portugal and Ghana - the latter clash potentially seeing him go up against Red Devils teammates Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.
