Manchester United are preparing to sanction the exit of another member of their exiled contingent.
After what seemed like a concerningly quiet window for Tyrell Malacia from the fans’ perspective, the defender is closing in on a move to Elche CF, albeit on an initial loan.
It remains to be seen whether the proposed deal includes a buy option or obligation, but Voetbal International has verified that talks are ongoing between the player and club. Now, United are ready to get involved to hash out the finer details.
Tyrell Malacia: The state of play this summer
The outlet adds that the defender had also garnered interest from AS Roma and Lille, with the former originally hoping they could welcome both Malacia and his outcast teammate Jadon Sancho in a double deal. However, Sancho turned down the opportunity and is consequently still seeking a suitor that meets his requirements.
As for the reasoning behind the Dutchman’s decision, he held talks with Elche and was given ample assurances that he’d be playing a prominent role for the season ahead, leaving him ‘enthusiastic’ over the prospective switch.
Malacia also spent the second half of 2024/2025 away from Old Trafford and on loan with PSV Eindhoven. He ended the term with an Eredivisie winners’ medal to his name, although they ultimately opted against keeping him in their ranks long-term.
Malacia’s turbulent United tenure poised to come to an end
The 26-year-old, who became Erik ten Hag’s first signing in M16 when he joined the Reds from Feyenoord in 2022, has not played for United since January.
He made eight appearances upon his return from a serious knee injury – one that kept him sidelined for the entirety of his sophomore campaign in 2023/2024.
Prior to the layoff, he had enjoyed a rotational role with Luke Shaw, racking up 39 appearances in 2022/2023.
