Manchester United’s expensive midfield experiment with Manuel Ugarte appears to be heading toward an early conclusion. Multiple European clubs are reportedly showing interest in the Uruguayan defensive midfielder, and United seem more than willing to facilitate an exit.
Ugarte arrived at Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain on August 30, 2024, for a base fee of €50 million that could rise to €60 million with performance-based add-ons. Now, United have reportedly set an asking price of around €40 million. In English: they’re already willing to eat a loss on a player whose contract runs until 2029.
The suitors lining up
The list of clubs reportedly interested in Ugarte reads like a tour of European football’s upper-middle class. Juventus, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Galatasaray, Everton, and Crystal Palace have all been linked with the 23-year-old.
Some reports have cited a lower asking price of £24 million, a significant gap from the €40 million figure.
