Galatasaray are among the leading candidates to sign Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte for a knockdown price during the summer transfer window, according to iNews.
The Red Devils signed the Uruguayan from Paris Saint-Germain for £42 million upfront two years ago, and he was widely touted to replace Casemiro as the first-choice holding midfielder.
However, that has not proved the case. Ugarte had a mixed debut season with United, and his second year was forgettable too, having played second fiddle to Casemiro for the no.6 role.
Casemiro will formally depart on a free transfer when his contract expires on June 30. United are still prepared to part ways with Ugarte, who has failed to meet their expectations.
The club’s hierarchy intend to cut their losses on the 25-year-old this summer. It is reported that Turkish champions Galatasaray are among the ‘leading candidates’ to recruit him.
United poised to part ways with Ugarte this summer
Ugarte made a big name for himself during his time at Sporting CP. He was a brilliant ball-winning midfielder and also caught the eye with his distribution and duel-winning skills.
However, he has struggled to replicate the feat on a higher stage. He was a fringe player at PSG before his exit, and has occupied a similar role with the Red Devils over the last year.
Casemiro was absent for the final Premier League matchday against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, but Ugarte was still an unused substitute as Mason Mount partnered Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield.
This is a clear indication that he is deemed surplus to requirements. The decision to leave him on the bench by manager Michael Carrick was probably made to avoid any possible injury ahead of his summer departure.
Galatasaray have shown plenty of ambition in the transfer market. They made headlines by breaking their transfer record (£65m) to sign Victor Osimhen last summer and could be aiming to make further progress in the Champions League, having exited at the round of 16 last time around.
Ugarte has struggled to cope with the Premier League’s higher intensity, but he could fit in perfectly at Galatasaray, given that the Turkish Super Lig is more tactical and less intense. The Uruguayan is a confidence player and could revive his playing career with the Istanbul giants.
It has been reported that United could sell Ugarte for just £24m, with Napoli and Atletico Madrid also keen. However, we believe the hierarchy should seek to secure at least £6m more in the form of add-ons, given Ugarte only recently turned 25 and has the prime of his career ahead of him.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com