Things to Know About Uruguayan Winger Facundo Pellistri
By Robbie Walls
Young Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri has burst on to the scene in his homeland for Penarol in the last year, and it's resulted in him potentially landing a move to Manchester United.
The 18-year-old has drawn admirers from Premier League sides Manchester City and Newcastle, as well as Spanish giants Real Madrid, but it's United who look to have won the race for him.
Here's all you need to know about the wide-man...
He Was Coached by Uruguay Legend Diego Forlan
The youngster had no better man to guide him at club level than compatriot and football legend Diego Forlan, prior to his sacking as manager of Penarol. The one-time Manchester United striker had been impressed by his young winger during his time in charge.
Forlan told Jogo Bonito, as quoted by Fox Sports: "Facundo Pellistri has very good potential. He has a lot to improve. He is growing and makes a difference. We know that it will be difficult to keep him for a long time. He has a lot of speed and is unbalanced."
He's Available for Cheap
In what has been music to the ears of interested parties, the winger has a buyout clause of just $12m, a bargain for such a talented player.
With the impact of coronavirus on the transfer market, clubs have been looking to secure cut-price deals like this to improve their playing squads without forking out astronomical fees. United seem to be the ones who've made the move.
He's Not Just Coveted in Europe
While all the talk has been about a move away from South America, there has been notable interest from Argentine giants Boca Juniors.
Argentina icon Juan Roman Riquelme is currently vice-president at La Bombonera, and Pellistri had been high on his list of priorities.
Ex-Villarreal star Riquelme told Teledoce last year: “He is young, talented, he hasn't played that much but you can see he is a real rascal with the ball at his feet. And that is important. There aren't many like him around, who have the courage to be so cheeky on the pitch. That is highly valuable."
High praise indeed.
Playing Style
The wide-man is known for being absolutely rapid and a real handful on the ball.
Despite having only made 37senior appearances for the Manyas, Pellistri has already impressed many with his attacking ability down the right flank.
He has already been handed the number ten shirt, despite his age - a signal of what his club think of him.
A Product of Uruguay's 'Baby Futbol' Scheme
Pellistri is one of countless young players who began their footballing lives playing their beloved sport under the 'Baby Futbol' scheme - for children aged four to 13.
This organised football is played in both Argentina and Uruguay and has helped shape the likes of Sergio Aguero and Luis Suarez.
While it appears like any other children's football league around the world, 'Baby Futbol' is renowned for its intensity and aggression, and serves as a way of instilling that famed South American fighting spirit.