While Manchester United nears finalizing their move for top target Manuel Ugarte, new developments suggest that the involvement of INEOS is impacting the deal.
Ugarte and United quickly agreed on personal terms, with the Uruguayan keen to move to Old Trafford. However, the transfer has stalled for over a month due to a significant difference in valuation between United and PSG.
Reports suggest United might have pulled out of the deal, but this seems inaccurate as negotiations are still ongoing. At one point, the gap appeared insurmountable.
It now looks like the midfielder could join United on a loan deal with a buyout option set at £51 million (€60 million).
Recent updates reveal that other factors are influencing the delay. According to Duncan Castles’ The Transfers Podcast, the rivalry between the owners of the two clubs might be affecting the transfer. PSG’s owners were reportedly displeased that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS secured the minority stake at Old Trafford over Sheikh Jassim, leading to a “battle of egos.” This tension between INEOS and Qatar is reportedly complicating dealings between the two clubs.
It remains uncertain if this friction also impacted PSG’s interest in Jadon Sancho, but that move appears to have faltered.
