Manchester United are now considering extending Radamel Falcao’s loan deal to give him another chance to try and impress.
Falcao’s current loan deal expires at United on June 1st with the club then having an option to buy him permanently from Monaco for £43.2 million, which would be considered to be a “bit steep” given his current predicament at the club. United are clearly not willing to spend that much on the Colombian, who has been very disappointing this season but they are understood to be open to prolonging his loan spell at the club. Van Gaal has warned Falcao though that he will have to accept being a support striker if he is to stay at United beyond his current loan deal. Ed Woodward is in discussions with Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev about the different options with regards to the striker staying beyond the terms of his current deal.
In this current campaign, Falcao has scored just four times in what has been an underwhelming season for a player who up until recently was regarded as one of the best strikers in the world. Despite his poor form, United are willing to extend his loan until at least January to see whether he can recapture his best form after a summer of rest and a full pre-season at the club.
Falcao suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in January last year which kept him away from football for six months and saw him miss the World Cup in Brazil last year. It has been suggested that Falcao hurried his recovery in what was ultimately a failed attempt to make the World Cup, which has now had a knock on effect this season with regards to his form and Van Gaal is open to the option of keeping Falcao for a further six months.
The move if it happens would also suit Monaco, as they would be happy to keep the £250,000 a week striker off their wage bill. Another option that could be if both parties could come to an understanding and reduce Falcao’s transfer fee, but an extension to a loan deal is the likeliest scenario for now. Despite having a difficult season, Falcao is a fan’s favourite and has got continued support throughout his troubled campaign.
Many fans would be okay with Falcao staying on a loan deal but a permanent one has to be for a much reduced fee. The 29-year-old is still one of the most feared strikers on the planet and will definitely have a better goal tally next season, after a year’s experience of playing in the Premier League