Is Manchester United about to steal Ugarte from PSG?
By Manuel Meza
PSG is expected to be active regarding arrivals during the 2024 summer transfer window. However, some departures might also take place, with Manuel Ugarte potentially being one of them.
PSG spent €60 million in the summer of 2023 to secure Manuel Ugarte from Sporting Portugal, an amount that matched his release clause. In his first season with the Rouge & Bleu, the Uruguayan international played 37 matches across all competitions and provided 3 assists.
This made the 23-year-old the ninth most-utilized player by Luis Enrique this season and the third most-used midfielder behind Vitinha and Warren Zaire-Emery. However, most of this playing time was in the first half of the season. Later on, the Uruguayan saw significantly less action under PSG’s Spanish coach, giving way to Fabian Ruiz. This situation appears to have led Ugarte to contemplate his future.
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Is Manchester United about to steal Ugarte from PSG?
This contemplation is further fueled by interest from clubs like Manchester United. Aware of Ugarte’s situation and his possible considerations, the Premier League club is reportedly interested in PSG’s number 4. This is according to British sources at Sky Sports, who state that the Mancunians are looking to recruit a central midfielder this summer, with Manuel Ugarte being a potential candidate.
The French newspaper L’Equipe corroborates and elaborates on this information. According to the French daily, Manchester United has made a move with an offer to the PSG management, though the amount has not been disclosed. However, this offer was deemed insufficient and rejected by PSG. British journalist Ben Jacobs also confirms this information.
Under contract with PSG until June 2028 and purchased for €60 million nearly a year ago, the Uruguayan, currently engaged with his national team for the Copa America, could represent a significant sale for Paris this summer. It remains to be seen if the Rouge & Bleu management can achieve or come close to a profitable sale.