It’s been a strange season that Manuel Ugarte has had at PSG, as he has gone through several statuses. That of a surprise recruit, greeted with circumspection by observers. €60 million for him was perhaps a lot, and some looked with an inquisitive eye towards the agent Jorge Mendes. Then the Uruguayan revealed himself with successful performances, notably against Lyon at the start of the season. His grinta, his ability to repeat efforts and impose constant pressure seduced the Parisian supporters. Less Luis Enrique, who himself spotted a slight technical deficit, enough to judge him unfit for his collective project.
Ugarte has therefore disappeared from the high-stakes matches during the season, mainly settling for Ligue 1 (21 starts) and substitute appearances. Above all, his future at PSG seems to be in doubt, just 1 year after his arrival. With Luis Enrique having a say in the transfer window and working hand in hand with Luis Campos, Manuel Ugarte can already imagine a season with his playing time plummeting. It is in this context that Manchester United made a first offer, rejected by PSG.
MU in pole position but other clubs are interested
The Manchester club remains interested in the 23-year-old Uruguayan, and continues discussions with PSG, as reported by Skysports. On the Uruguayan media side, the position is even more clear-cut. According to ESPN UruguayUgarte would be very close to Manchester United. But Atlético de Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are also on the case. Diego Simeone would have even already presented the player with his project, how he wants to use him. But these last three clubs do not have the means to pay €60 million.
Because that’s the price PSG is asking for, the same as the one they spent a year ago to release him. Manchester United could drop such a check if they manage to successfully cut their salary, which is expected to be massive. ESPN Uruguay also reports that Luis Enrique has already told the player that he no longer counts on him. According to our information, PSG has not asked him to leave, but the player is ready to study his options on the transfer market. In the meantime, he is shining at the Copa America with his national team under Marcelo Bielsa.
