Amorim given surprise extra £20m to add to his transfer kitty after sale

Manchester United are set for a welcome financial boost in the upcoming January transfer window, thanks to Andreas Pereira’s impending transfer to Palmeiras.

The Brazilian midfielder, who departed United in 2022 after a decade at the club, joined Fulham and has since made 100 appearances for the Cottagers.

Despite being a key figure this season, starting 15 of Fulham’s 19 Premier League games, Pereira is poised to leave England this month.

Pereira was notably absent from Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham in December, with manager Marco Silva citing "technical reasons."

This absence fueled speculation linking Pereira to a potential move, especially after comments in which he described a transfer to Marseille as "very cool."

Although Marseille expressed interest last summer with a £20 million offer, their approach failed, and hopes of rekindling talks this winter have faded.

Instead, Pereira is set to return to Brazil, having previously enjoyed a loan spell with Flamengo in 2021.

Brazilian outlet TV Espírito de Porco reports that Palmeiras have agreed to sign the playmaker for an initial fee of £18.2 million, which could rise to £20.7 million with add-ons.

A medical is expected in the coming days, and the deal is described as almost certain to go through.

United are set to pocket a small but significant transfer windfall from this deal, courtesy of a 20% sell-on clause included when Pereira joined Fulham.

The clause will net United approximately £3.6 million once the transfer is completed.

Although not a game-changing figure, the funds could provide manager Ruben Amorim with additional resources to strengthen his squad.

Amorim, who has limited funds available due to Financial Fair Play constraints, is looking to offload players to facilitate new signings.

The windfall could also contribute to securing a loan deal for Randal Kolo Muani, one of United’s rumoured targets for January.

While Pereira’s move marks the end of his Premier League chapter, it opens up opportunities for United as they navigate a tricky transfer window.

The funds, combined with potential player sales, might help Amorim bolster his squad and push for improved performances in the second half of the season.