Panathinaikos Set to Sign Manchester United Winger for Club Record Deal

Panathinaikos F.C. are set to complete the signing of young winger Facundo Pellistri from Manchester United this week, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Pellistri, who plays on the right wing has gone down in the pecking order for Erik ten Hag as of late. The right-wing position at Old Trafford is already highly competitive, with Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, and Antony all vying to secure the spot permanently. As a result, it appears that Pellistri is no longer in ten Hag's plans.

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Pellistri joined Manchester United in October 2020 for a reported fee of £9 million, on a five-year deal. He was then loaned to Alavés on 31 January 2021 for the remainder of the season and joined United for pre-season. Soon after pre-season, he was loaned back to Alavés, with whom he spent the entirety of the 2021-22 season.

Pellistri's competitive debut for United came on 10 January 2023 where he came on as substitute in a 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic in an EFL Cup fixture. Since then, Pellistri has managed to impress the coach, but only in flashes. However, since Pellistri is still quite young, he will be a valuable addition to any team. As things stand, that team is likely to be Panathinaikos.

Pellistri's strengths lie in his dribbling, pace, and ability to find teammates in the final third. He also possesses solid technique, especially for a player who has yet to reach his peak. Panathinaikos fans have every reason to be excited, as the best of this player is yet to come.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano took to the social media platform, X yesterday to break the news that Panathinaikos are prepared to close the deal on Pellistri this week. A loan was out of question as Manchester United only wanted a sale for him since the beginning of negotiations. Panathinaikos manager Diego Alonso is also pushing for the completion of this deal. The deal is poised to become the most expensive signing in the Greek club's history, surpassing their current record from the 2009/10 season when they spent just under £7 million to acquire French forward Djibril Cissé.

Panathinaikos has endured a difficult start to the season, exiting the Europa League in the third qualifying round after a penalty shootout loss to Ajax. They also suffered a 0-1 defeat in their Super League opener against Asteras Tripolis.

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