Manchester United are facing a fresh transfer setback after PSV Eindhoven confirmed they will not be signing Tyrell Malacia permanently, leaving new head coach Ruben Amorim with an uncomfortable situation to manage.
Malacia, who joined United for £13 million from Feyenoord in 2022, returned to Old Trafford after his short loan spell at PSV expired on July 1. Despite helping the Dutch club clinch the Eredivisie title during his 12 appearances, the 25-year-old did not do enough to warrant a full transfer.
PSV announced his departure with a brief statement: “On July 1, the tenures of Tyrell Malacia and Rick Karsdorp at PSV will expire. Tyrell will return to Manchester United after his rental period.”
After a solid debut season under Erik ten Hag — in which Malacia made 39 appearances and lifted the Carabao Cup — a serious knee injury sidelined him for the entire 2023/24 campaign. Upon his return, United had a new manager in Ruben Amorim, who quickly indicated the left-back was not part of his plans.
United had hoped a successful loan spell would lead to a permanent deal, easing the club’s need to balance their books under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). They now face the challenge of offloading a player still recovering from long-term injury and who has just one year left on his contract.
An additional wrinkle in the situation is Malacia’s remark after joining PSV, which could create tension upon his return to Carrington:
“I’m happy to be here. Finally playing good football again,” he said — a comment interpreted as a dig at both United and Amorim.
United are reportedly aiming to sell Malacia for around £3 million — the break-even figure required to offset his value in the books. However, finding a buyer may prove difficult given his fitness concerns and lack of game time.
With Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho all still at the club and few outgoings completed, United’s transfer activity remains stalled. Amorim will have to navigate a bloated squad and strained relationships as the rebuild continues.