Alex Telles has joined Sevilla on loan for the season and "didn't have to think twice" about making the switch from Manchester United.
The full-back was signed two years ago by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but has struggled to nail down a first-team spot with Luke Shaw the first-choice in his position. Last term he was given opportunities, making 26 appearances, but the arrival of Tyrell Malacia was always going to further hamper his minutes.
Telles was also recently involved in a bust-up with youngster Hannibal Mejbri following the defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion back in May. The pair had to be dragged apart and then boss, Ralf Rangnick, even cut training short. Erik ten Hag was aware of the confrontation and has allowed Telles to leave, with Mejbri - who is highly-rated by those at the club - expected to feature this season.
The Sevilla new boy has opened up on his move and, from the first contact, couldn't wait to swap England for Spain. He told Estadio Deportivo : “I’m very happy to be at this great club. From the first moment I got the message to come here I didn’t think twice. I’m ready and prepared for this important week in which La Liga begins.”
The LaLiga outfit finished fourth last term and will therefore play in the Champions League, whilst Telles' parent club have to settle for a year in the Europa League after a poor sixth place finish. United's last campaign was marred by poor performances and rumours of infighting as former players called for a cultural reset at the club.
Defeats at the likes of Brighton and Liverpool underlined the problems for Ten Hag and his staff, who lost their opening game of the season at Old Trafford against the Seagulls. It will take several transfer windows before the Dutchman can mould his squad but Telles has no concerns over the lack of purchase option in his loan deal.
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He claimed: “In life we go step by step. Now I’m here and I’m going to think about this important year for everyone. I don’t think about the future. The future depends on now. I want to do things well and give my best. I’m proud of how my career is developing because I’ve come this far and through all the great clubs I’ve been through. There are no difficulties for me, I’m always positive thinking and willing to work hard to get where I want.”
United centre-half Eric Bailly has too been linked with a move to Sevilla as he seeks regular minutes. The Ivorian has fallen way down the pecking order following the arrivals of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in successive summers. He is one of several defenders who are free to leave alongside the likes of Phil Jones and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
