Tyrell Malacia's proposed loan move from Manchester United to Benfica has reportedly collapsed due to the Portuguese side failing to meet the Red Devils' demands.
The Dutch left-back - who has only made eight appearances for Ruben Amorim's side this season - was expected to complete a switch to the Portuguese giants before the 11pm deadline on Monday.
Malacia is about to be bumped down the Old Trafford pecking order by Patrick Dorgu, whose arrival from Lecce is imminent after he apparently completed his medical on Saturday.
The 25-year-old is said to have given the green light to a temporary switch to Benfica in recent hours, while Man United and Benfica also appeared to be making progress in negotiations.
However, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth, a deal to send Malacia to the Eagles is now off, as Benfica did not manage to satisfy Man United's financial demands for the defender.
Malacia 'said goodbyes' to Man United teammates before collapse
© Imago
Fellow reporter Ben Jacobs adds that the left-back had even begun to bid farewell to his Man United teammates before the transfer collapsed, and he was keen to link up with the Portuguese giants.
Benfica will reportedly have to come up with an improved loan offer if they are to reignite their chances of a late deal for Malacia, whose future is now in limbo with just two days of the transfer window remaining.
Malacia moved to Man United in a £12.5m deal from Feyenoord in 2022, but he has made just 47 appearances for the club over the past two-and-a-half years, failing to register a single goal or assist in that time.
The Dutchman spent a significant amount of time on the sidelines with a serious knee injury and has been limited to just nine appearances in the 2024-25 campaign, including 99 minutes in the Premier League.
What next for Malacia after Benfica collapse?
© Imago
Given Malacia's desire to pull on the Benfica jersey, a deal may not be completely dead in the water, but the Primeira Liga giants would have to increase their offer quickly lest they ultimately fail in their pursuit.
Sheth reports that 'other clubs' remain interested in recruiting the Netherlands international, although it is unclear whether those parties are based in the Premier League, Europe or elsewhere abroad.
The Red Devils are running out of time to find the defender a new stomping ground, though, and he could still prove to be a useful rotation option as Man United try to go deep in the Europa League.
While Luke Shaw's fitness troubles are continuing, having Dorgu and Malacia available on the left would allow Amorim to field Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot in their preferred right wing-back slots, as well as ensuring that Amad Diallo can occupy one of the two spots behind the striker.
Malacia is expected to be on the bench when Man United take on Crystal Palace in Sunday's Premier League contest.
Ben Knapton
