Tyrell Malacia’s transfer to Benfica has fallen apart despite the Manchester United defender already saying his goodbyes at Old Trafford. The Dutch full-back, who joined United for £15m in 2022, was set to move to Portugal on loan, but negotiations over a loan fee and buy option failed.
Benfica’s interest emerged after Real Betis explored a deal earlier in the window, but with this setback, Betis and Scottish giants Celtic could reignite their pursuit. Celtic initially hoped to re-sign Kieran Tierney from Arsenal, but with the Gunners blocking his exit, Malacia could be an alternative.
Since his arrival at United, Malacia has endured injury struggles, limiting him to just 47 appearances. He featured regularly in his debut season under Erik ten Hag but has barely played in the past year. His lack of game time under new boss Ruben Amorim fueled his desire for a move.
Club legend Rio Ferdinand recently urged United to clear out players like Malacia, Antony, and Marcus Rashford, suggesting their presence created negativity within the squad. He emphasized the need for a fresh start, especially with United struggling for form.
Malacia, once highly rated in the Netherlands, now faces uncertainty. While he doesn’t fit Amorim’s tactical system, he remains eager to secure a transfer before the window closes on Monday night. Whether Betis, Celtic, or another suitor swoops in remains to be seen.