Uruguay international Facundo Pellistri has bid adieu to Manchester United, signing a long-term contract with Greek giants Panathinaikos, as confirmed by the Red Devils. The 22-year-old winger joined United from Penarol in 2020 but had limited chances in the first team, making only 25 appearances and spending time out on loan at Alaves and Granada.
Although Pellistri made a cameo off the bench in the Community Shield against Manchester City, he was not included in the squad for United’s opening Premier League fixture against Fulham. Recent speculation surrounding his future has now been put to rest with his permanent move to Panathinaikos.
“Facundo Pellistri has joined Panathinaikos on a permanent transfer. The Uruguay international, who represented his country at this summer’s Copa America, is heading to the Greek Super League to continue his career,” read a statement on Manchester United’s official website.
Panathinaikos, the 20-time Greek champions, have appointed Diego Alonso as their manager. Alonso, who previously coached the Uruguay national team, will reunite with Pellistri in Greece. The transfer deal, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, includes a fixed fee of €6m (£5.1m) with €2m (£1.7m) in add-ons and a buyback option valid until 2027. Additionally, United have negotiated a 45% sell-on clause.
Pellistri featured in 14 games for Manchester United in the first half of last season before moving to Granada, where he played 15 times in La Liga in the latter half of the 2023-24 campaign, finding the back of the net twice. The young talent will now seek to establish himself at Panathinaikos and help them regain their domestic glory.
