It’s that time of year again, ladies and gentlemen: the summer transfer window. It’s like Christmas came early for football fans
Liverpool have reportedly opened talks with Sporting CP about a possible deal for Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte. According to reports, the transaction could be worth €60 million, which is a sizable sum even by Premier League standards.
Journalist Bruno Andrade, who previously reported on Liverpool’s interest in Matheus Nunes while at Sporting, told CNN Portugal that talks between the two clubs about Ugarte have begun. While Liverpool are said to be eager to complete their business as soon as possible, progress in their transfer plans is expected over the next month.
Ugarte is a defensive midfielder who has spent the last two seasons with Sporting CP after a brief stint with Famalicao. He’s only 22 years old, but he’s already making his mark in Europe. He has made the most tackles in both the Champions League and the Europa League this season, according to WhoScored. If you ask me, that’s pretty impressive stuff.
However, Liverpool are not the only team interested in Ugarte. Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Leeds United are also said to be interested in the midfielder. However, according to O Jogo, Liverpool “can’t delay” if they want to land their man.
If Liverpool does sign Ugarte, he will provide much-needed competition for Fabinho in the No. 6 position. The Brazilian has been an important player for the Reds, but he is getting older – he will turn 30 in October. Ugarte, on the other hand, has the potential to become an elite midfielder at Liverpool.
Sporting CP, on the other hand, is said to be only willing to part ways with their No. 15 for his full release clause of €60 million (£53.1 million). That is a significant sum of money, but it may be worthwhile. After all, Ugarte is a different type of midfielder than the ones Liverpool has previously linked with. He’s a tough-tackling defensive midfielder who could help the Reds get back on track.
So, will Ugarte join Liverpool? The only way to know is to wait and see. But one thing is certain: he’s a player to keep an eye on.
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