Gus Poyet has admitted that he was “upset” that Chelsea failed to strike a deal to sign Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, prior to his fellow countryman’s move to Man United.
It’s the summer of 2023 and Chelsea have just finished 12th in the Premier League. Todd Boehly’s era as owner has got off to a dismal start. His first season saw four different managers take charge of Chelsea.
After Thomas Tuchel, Bruno Saltor, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard, Boehly looked to restore calm by bringing in Mauricio Pochettino. The task, return to European qualification, and build a squad to do that.
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That summer, Chelsea made some key signings – Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Robert Sanchez and more. But they had a medical scheduled for another, in the form of Man United midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Gus Poyet sad Chelsea didn’t get a deal done for Manuel Ugarte
Ugarte would join PSG that summer after Chelsea had scheduled a medical for the Uruguayan midfielder. A year later in 2024, he joined Man United for £51m, reuniting with his old Sporting boss Ruben Amorim.
Ugarte has been fairly mediocre since his move to Old Trafford and speaking to GOAL, former Chelsea star Poyet says he was “upset” that Chelsea failed to acquire the services of Ugarte when they pushed.
Manchester United FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
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“It affected me a lot because he’s from Uruguay and before he went to Paris Saint-Germain, I wanted him to come to Chelsea. When they started the rumours, Chelsea, big Chelsea, you know you want to come.
“I don’t know him, so I couldn’t call him. And he went to PSG and I was a little bit upset because I thought it was perfect at that time for Chelsea. He kind of didn’t kick on. PSG and now Man United,” Poyet said.
Why didn’t Chelsea complete a deal for Manuel Ugarte?
Reports at the time claim Sporting wanted Ugarte to choose Chelsea over PSG, because the Blues were offering more cash than the French giants. Indeed, the Portuguese side were putting pressure on Ugarte.
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But the midfielder opted to join PSG three years ago, and reports claim it is because PSG were offering more cash in wages. Surprising, given the kind of wages Chelsea have since committed themselves to.
Ultimately, it was Ugarte’s wage packet that dictated his next move. Ugarte might regret joining PSG and then United, as Poyet says, because he’s failed to kick on. It might have been different in West London.
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