Manuel Ugarte has sparked a wave of excitement and speculation among Manchester United fans with a recent social media post, hinting at his imminent transfer to the iconic Premier League club. The Uruguayan midfielder, currently with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), took to social media to drop a cryptic hint—a simple eyes emoji—which has been enough to set tongues wagging. This subtle yet powerful message has quickly gained traction, catching the attention of thousands of fans and even a former Manchester United player. Within the first hour of posting, the message received 34,000 likes, underlining the anticipation and excitement surrounding Ugarte’s potential move.
According to the well-respected journalist Duncan Castles, Manchester United have reached an agreement with PSG over Ugarte’s transfer. The deal is reportedly set at an initial €50 million, with the potential to rise by an additional €10 million based on performance-related add-ons. This significant financial commitment underscores United’s belief in Ugarte’s talent and potential to make a substantial impact in their midfield. As part of the next steps, Ugarte is expected to travel to England soon, where he will undergo a medical examination—a routine yet crucial step before any transfer is officially completed.
If all goes according to plan, Ugarte will be Manchester United’s fifth signing of the summer, following in the footsteps of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, and Matthijs de Ligt. The club’s activity in the transfer market this summer reflects their ambition to strengthen their squad across various positions. At 23 years old, Ugarte is seen as a player who can bring both youthful energy and a degree of experience to United’s midfield—a vital component for any team looking to challenge on multiple fronts. His arrival would inject fresh dynamism into the team’s central areas, providing manager Erik ten Hag with more tactical options.
The intrigue surrounding Ugarte’s potential move was further fueled when his international teammate and former Manchester United winger, Facundo Pellistri, responded to the post with a series of emojis, including a red heart. Pellistri, who recently made a move himself by joining Greek side Panathinaikos, seemed to offer his blessing and excitement for Ugarte’s impending transfer. The interaction between the two players on social media has only added to the buzz, as fans eagerly speculate about the chemistry and potential partnerships on the pitch.
However, the path to securing Ugarte’s signature has not been without its complexities. Initial negotiations saw PSG holding out for a fixed fee of €60 million, a stance that led Manchester United to temporarily step back from the discussions. However, persistence and negotiation eventually led to a breakthrough. United were able to strike a deal that not only lowered the initial outlay but also incorporated performance-based incentives, making the deal more favorable. As part of the agreement, PSG also secured a 10% sell-on clause, ensuring they benefit from any future transfer involving Ugarte.
The acquisition of Ugarte has been made possible, in part, by Manchester United’s decision to sell midfielder Scott McTominay to Napoli. The Scottish international, who has been with United for 22 years, rising through the ranks of the club’s esteemed academy, is set to leave for a fee of €30 million. This move, pending the finalization of personal terms, marks the end of McTominay’s long and loyal association with the club. Over the years, he has been a reliable presence in United’s midfield, earning his place in the first team under multiple managers, including current head coach Erik ten Hag. McTominay’s departure opens up space in the squad and provides United with additional financial flexibility to pursue their summer transfer targets.
In summary, Manuel Ugarte’s expected move to Manchester United is shaping up to be one of the standout transfers of the summer. His arrival would not only add depth to United’s midfield but also signify the club’s commitment to building a squad capable of competing at the highest level. With the negotiations now seemingly nearing a conclusion and the player set to undergo a medical, all eyes will be on Manchester United as they look to finalize what could be a transformative signing for the upcoming season.