Reports: Deportivo Alaves beat Real Madrid and Barcelona in race for Manchester United's Facundo Pellistri

According to Spanish news publication Sport, Deportivo Alaves have beaten Real Madrid and Barcelona to the signing of Manchester United’s youngster Facundo Pellistri on loan.

In the summer, Pellistri moved to Manchester United from Uruguayan side Penarol, where he was under the tutelage of former Red Devils striker Diego Forlan.

However, the closest the 19-year-old has come to feature for Manchester United was when he was an unused substitute in the UEFA Champions League group stage games against Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir last year.

Facundo Pellistri is back in training after recovering from COVID-19 pic.twitter.com/8ZRsUimcWA
— utdreport (@utdreport) January 25, 2021

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With minutes not coming forth, several clubs particularly from Spain were looking for a loan move for the Manchester United youngster, including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves.

Pellistri’s agent, Edgardo Lasalvia, while speaking to Fichajes, revealed that the United youngster was leaving on a loan deal, with the Spanish La Liga his destination.

"We’re working on that, surely Spain is the destination," Lasalvia told when asked about Pellistri leaving temporarily.

With Real Madrid and Barcelona keen on snapping up the Manchester United sensation, it is revealed that Alaves have now won the race for his signature.

Deportivo Alaves beat Real Madrid and Barcelona to Manchester United youngster

Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur: Premier League 2

Pellistri, who was meant to be developed through the Manchester United’s U23 set up before breaking into the first-team, now looks set to be shipped off to the La Liga, joining Alaves in search of game time.

With the assurance of more minutes, the Manchester United ace opted for a move to the Zaldiaran ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Facundo Pellistri's loan deal to Deportivo Alavés has been agreed in principle. It should be officially confirmed by #mufc tomorrow. [bbc]
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) January 29, 2021

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It is believed that Alaves Sporting Director Toni Lima played a huge role in securing the services of the Uruguayan as he had good connections with Manchester United, having worked previously as a scout at Old Trafford.

Alaves are currently struggling in the Spanish top flight as they find themselves 18th in the league standings.

About the author

Joshua is a European and international football writer at Sportskeeda who covers news and match previews. He fell in love with the sport watching Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o win titles at club and international level, and his passion for the sport led him to become a professional football writer. He has an overall professional experience of 5 years.

Joshua supports Chelsea at club level, having witnessed a number of African stars break records with the club. Drogba’s equalizing header and match-winning shootout penalty for Chelsea against Bayern Munich in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final left a last impact on him. His favorite player is Eden Hazard and favorite manager is Jose Mourinho, who gave him the most joyous days as a Blues supporter. He believes that Cristiano Ronaldo is unlucky to be born in Messi’s era and favors the Argentine in the G.O.A.T. debate.

Joshua also follows the Portuguese Primeira Liga and the Nigeria Professional Football League and loves to play football during his free time. Having attained a B.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Ibadan, he employs his problem-solving skills in crafting articles while doing extensive research to ensure each article is well thought out and crafted.

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Edited by Vishal Subramanian

Deportivo Alaves beat Real Madrid and Barcelona in race for Manchester United's Facundo Pellistri - Reports

Deportivo Alaves beat Real Madrid and Barcelona to Manchester United youngster