Manchester United’s attempts at moving on Tyrell Malacia late in the January transfer window have failed as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
As per earlier reports, it seemed like Benfica were closing in on signing the left-back on an initial loan deal but as per the Italian journalist, both clubs could not agree on a loan fee and a future buy option and hence, the transfer collapsed.
“Tyrell Malacia’s loan move to Benfica from Man United has definitely collapsed. No agreement on loan fee and future buy option,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
But it seems like there are other clubs in the race for the Dutchman so there is still a chance the 25-year-old leaves before deadline day.
Malacia to Benfica off
“Man United keep looking at options for Malacia as there are several loan requests,” Romano added.
With Patrick Dorgu’s arrival, the former Feyenoord star was unlikely to see too much action and hence Ruben Amorim gave the green light for his exit.
🚨⚠️ Tyrell Malacia’s loan move to Benfica from Man United has definitely collapsed.
No agreement on loan fee and future buy option.
👀 Man United keep looking at options for Malacia as there are several loan requests. pic.twitter.com/eugrDJfRLk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2025
The left-back has struggled for form ever since returning from a long-term injury, getting substituted at half-time in each of his starts under the Portuguese boss.
He was former manager Erik ten Hag’s first signing and enjoyed a relatively successful debut campaign, making 39 appearances in all competitions and providing solid backup to Luke Shaw.
Other options remain alive
But tragedy struck soon after as the Netherlands international suffered a knee injury which kept him out for the whole of last season.
While Amorim has tried to help him as much as possible, it is clear that Malacia would be better served playing regularly somewhere else.
Apart from the Portuguese giants, there has been reported interest in his services from Scottish giants Celtic as well as Spanish side Real Betis.
It will be interesting to see where he lands up at the end of the window. United will hope Malacia can impress during his temporary stint so that they can subsequently sell him for a higher fee in the summer.
Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
