Manchester United is nearing the acquisition of Manuel Ugarte, with the player’s agent currently in England for essential discussions. This progress follows two key factors that led Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to lower their demands, putting Sir Jim Ratcliffe close to finalizing his fifth major signing of the summer.
Ratcliffe is aiming to restore Manchester United to prominence in both English and European football, following a season where the team, despite winning the FA Cup, finished in a disappointing eighth place in the Premier League. Ratcliffe’s significant investment this summer, totaling nearly £150 million on four new signings, reflects his commitment to revitalizing the squad. This includes young talents like Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, aligned with his long-term vision for the club.
United’s transfer activity also saw the recent additions of Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, strengthening their defense. Despite these moves, the club’s transfer plans are ongoing, with a potential deal for a former Chelsea defender being explored.
The most recent development involves super-agent Jorge Mendes, who is in England to finalize the transfers of Joao Felix to Chelsea and Manuel Ugarte to Manchester United. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Ugarte, a 23-year-old midfielder, is no longer in PSG’s plans and is keen to leave. Consequently, PSG has adjusted their asking price, as United indicated they would not meet the original valuation.
As negotiations advance, reports suggest that a deal is nearing completion, with the final hurdles being the transfer fee and medical tests. Both clubs are reportedly negotiating a fee around £40 million, possibly with additional add-ons. Ugarte has been excluded from PSG’s training sessions, increasing optimism that the transfer to Manchester United will soon be finalized.
While United has considered other options, including Sander Berge, Sofyan Amrabat, and Danilo Oliveira, Ugarte remains their primary target. A successful deal would mark a significant milestone in Manchester United’s summer overhaul, promising a revitalized team for the upcoming season.
