Paris Saint Germain (PSG) midfielder Manuel Ugarte has reportedly agreed on personal terms with Manchester United. The 22-year-old Uruguayan has given his approval for a move to Old Trafford, but the clubs are still negotiating the transfer fee.
PSG has set a price range between €50 million and €60 million, with the Ligue 1 club unwilling to lower their asking price. Despite Manchester United not participating in the Champions League next season, Ugarte is eager to join the Premier League side. Other clubs have shown interest in the central defensive midfielder, but Ugarte’s priority remains with United.
Who is Manuel Ugarte?
Manuel Ugarte was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 2001. He began his professional career at age 15 with CA Fenix and moved to Portugal’s Famalicao in January 2021 for €9.10 million. His impressive performances earned him a transfer to Sporting Lisbon for €24.50 million seven months later.
PSG acquired Ugarte from Sporting Lisbon in July 2023 by triggering his £52 million release clause, despite interest from other European clubs.
Ugarte primarily plays as a central defensive midfielder but has also been deployed as a central midfielder and even as a center-back. His passing ability, particularly forward, has been criticized, which may explain why PSG is looking to sell him.
Nevertheless, former France international Emmanuel Petit believes Ugarte would be a significant addition to Manchester United, praising his fighting spirit and adaptability.
Ugarte’s Potential Role at Manchester United
With speculation surrounding Casemiro’s potential departure to Saudi Arabia, Manuel Ugarte appears to be a suitable replacement. Known for his aggression and dynamism, Ugarte could enhance Manchester United’s midfield, working effectively alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.
Positioned as a defensive midfielder, Ugarte would allow Mainoo and Fernandes to advance, improving United’s pressing game and defensive solidity.
Ugarte’s ability to break up opposition attacks and his pace would address the midfield vulnerabilities United experienced early in the 2023/24 season. Erik ten Hag’s track record of developing defensive midfielders into more attacking roles could help mitigate concerns about Ugarte’s forward passing limitations.
Transfer Fee
Currently, PSG is seeking around €59 million for Ugarte, slightly above the amount they paid Sporting Lisbon. However, PSG’s desire to offload Ugarte to fund the acquisition of Joao Neves from Benfica, along with potential transfers like Victor Osimhen from Napoli, could lead to a reduced price. Manchester United aims to negotiate a fee below €50 million to finalize the transfer.
As the transfer window progresses, the negotiations between Manchester United and PSG will be closely watched. Ugarte’s potential move to Old Trafford could significantly impact both clubs’ plans for the upcoming season.
