Manchester United and Aston Villa could get another chance to sign Pedro Vite in January, with Pumas reportedly considering selling the midfielder to ease their financial problems.
The Ecuador international was heavily linked with a move to England after his impressive World Cup performances. Pumas kept hold of him during the summer, though, and even played down suggestions that he could leave.
Now, the situation seems to be changing. And this time, the possibility of a transfer is coming from the Mexican club’s own financial situation.
Pumas could open the door in January
Two highly reliable insiders in Ecuadorian football, Mr. Offsider and Federación Postera, are behind the latest information about Vite’s future.
According to their reports, Pumas are going through some internal difficulties and could allow the midfielder to leave in January.
The Mexican side reportedly want to restructure their squad ahead of the 2027 season, with reducing their wage bill among the main priorities.
Bolavip in Ecuador has also picked up on the story, explaining that Pumas could make decisions over several departures in the coming weeks.
Vite is among those who could be affected, despite having a contract running until 2029.
So after those comments suggested the club were happy to keep their current squad, the latest information points towards a different approach when January arrives.
What’s going on at Pumas?
There’s been plenty of uncertainty around Pumas lately, although the financial situation isn’t entirely clear.
ESPN Mexico has previously highlighted the club’s limited budget compared to some of Liga MX’s biggest sides. Meanwhile, Pumas have spent heavily by their own standards over the past year, bringing in several high-profile signings.
Things haven’t been smooth on the pitch either. Following their run to the Clausura final, Pumas have struggled in the Apertura, with Mexican media also reporting tensions behind the scenes and growing criticism of the club’s management.
So, there’s certainly some context behind the latest rumours about a possible squad overhaul. What remains unclear is how serious the financial problems actually are, and whether reducing the wage bill has become a priority for the club.
Pedro Vite
First-team club career stats
|||||
Club Apps Goals Assists
Independiente del Valle2021 25 3 6
Vancouver Whitecaps2021–2025 140 15 9
Pumas UNAM2025–present 56 5 3
First-team total 221 23 18
All competitive first-team matches for the clubs listed,
including league play-offs, domestic cups, Leagues Cup,
CONCACAF Champions Cup and Copa Libertadores.
Excludes Independiente Juniors, Whitecaps FC 2, youth football,
internationals and friendlies.
Source: Opta Analyst. Checked: 13 October 2026.
Another opportunity for Manchester United and Aston Villa?
Vite has played ten matches for Pumas during the second half of 2026, scoring once and providing one assist in just over 725 minutes.
Those numbers are some way off the excitement surrounding him after the World Cup, although his performances in Ecuador’s shirt certainly helped attract attention from abroad.
Manchester United and Aston Villa were both linked with the 24-year-old during the summer. City Football Group, Benfica and Roma were also mentioned as potential destinations.
So Pumas previously had little reason to entertain a departure, especially with Vite tied down to a long-term contract. But all this pressure could now change their position.
That makes January worth watching for United and Villa. The midfielder may become available under circumstances nobody was expecting a few months ago.