The summer for Wolverhampton Wanderers was characterized by significant changes at Molineux. Julen Lopetegui departed the club after a brief stint in England, and important first-team players like Matheus Nunes, Ruben Neves, and Nathan Collins also left for Manchester City, Al-Hilal, and Brentford, respectively.
This has presented a challenging task for the new manager, Gary O’Neil. Many anticipate that Wolves may face even greater difficulties on the field, with both neutral observers and Wolves fans considering the possibility of relegation.
Currently, the team based in the West Midlands is surpassing all predictions, holding a respectable 12th position in the Premier League. They’ve recently secured noteworthy victories, including a 2-1 win against the team that dismissed O’Neil over the summer, AFC Bournemouth, and a surprise victory over the reigning champions, Man City, with the same scoreline, at Molineux.
Despite this promising start to the season, Wolves are planning to bolster their squad, which is still lacking depth, when January arrives. One potential addition under consideration is Facundo Pellistri, and they may even consider a loan deal for the player.
Are Wolves interested in signing Facundo Pellistri?
According to LR Uruguay, as well as Molineux News, Wolves had expressed their desire to borrow the Manchester United young talent during the past summer. The Red Devils were keen on allowing their promising player, who earns £20,000 per week, to gain more playing time elsewhere, apart from Old Trafford.
In addition to Wolves, Luton, Burnley, and Bournemouth had also shown interest in potentially acquiring Pellistri, according to the same report. However, a move did not materialize during the summer.
Is there a possibility that Wolves might rekindle their interest in the Uruguayan when the transfer window reopens in early 2024? Pellistri has shown promise in his limited appearances for Manchester United, having played 16 matches for the club, including six in the current Premier League season. His addition could significantly enhance Wolves’ squad.
How good is Facundo Pellistri?
Arriving at Manchester United in the summer of 2020, having previously played for Peñarol in his hometown of Montevideo, the 21-year-old has garnered significant praise within the club.
He has notched three goals in nine appearances for Manchester United’s U21 team since his initial move to England. In recent times, this Uruguayan midfielder has steadily earned his place in Erik Ten Hag’s first-team considerations. He has benefited from the inconsistent performance of Ten Hag’s squad, as opportunities have been presented to players like Pellistri over those who have not been meeting expectations.
Described as “impressive” following a brief yet impactful performance during last season’s Europa League last-16 tie against Real Betis by sports writer Alex Turk – a game in which Pellistri played a role in securing Wout Weghorst’s game-clinching fourth goal in a 4-1 victory – the young player has continued to shine in various cup competitions this year.
Pellistri’s strong work ethic in a recent EFL Cup victory over Crystal Palace garnered praise from football analyst Danny Webber, who commended the high-intensity approach of the significantly altered lineup chosen by ten Hag, wherein Pellistri played the entire 90 minutes.
Wolves may consider Pellistri as a potential improvement over Pablo Sarabia, the skillful Spanish midfielder, who, at the age of 31, has seen reduced playing time under O’Neil’s management, having only started two league games this season.
While the former Paris Saint-Germain star undoubtedly possesses quality, boasting four assists in all competitions thus far in the 2023/24 season, it’s worth noting that three of those assists occurred in a League Cup match against lower league side Blackpool. Journalist Alex Richards observed that Sarabia appeared less influential when facing Premier League opponents.
If O’Neil and co. swoop again for the young Manchester United star, Wolves would have an explosive and direct talent on their books who may replace Sarabia’s spot in the squad, since the veteran asset is simply not cutting it at the moment.
If Pellistri impresses, he might find himself knocking on the door for more first-team opportunities at Old Trafford in the near future, or he could decide to stay at Molineux permanently.
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