Ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time of the year again – the summer transfer window. And if you’re a football fan, it’s like Christmas come early. In the latest transfer news, Liverpool have reportedly opened talks with Sporting CP over a possible deal for Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte. According to reports, the deal could be worth €60 million – that’s a pretty penny, even by Premier League standards.
Journalist Bruno Andrade, who has previously reported on Liverpool’s interest in Matheus Nunes while at Sporting, has told CNN Portugal that talks have indeed begun between the two clubs over Ugarte. And while Liverpool are said to be keen to get their business done early, progress in their transfer plans is expected to be made over the next month.
Ugarte is a defensive midfielder who has spent the past two seasons with Sporting CP after a brief spell with fellow Portuguese outfit Famalicao. He’s only 22 years old, but he’s already making a name for himself in Europe. According to WhoScored, he’s made the most tackles in both the Champions League and Europa League so far this season. That’s pretty impressive stuff, if you ask me.
But Liverpool aren’t the only club interested in Ugarte. Newcastle, Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Leeds are also said to be keen on the midfielder. However, according to reports in O Jogo, Liverpool “can’t delay” if they want to get their man.
If Liverpool do sign Ugarte, he’ll provide some much-needed competition for Fabinho in the No. 6 role. The Brazilian has been an important player for the Reds, but he’s not getting any younger – he’ll turn 30 in October. Ugarte, on the other hand, has the potential to develop into an elite midfielder at Anfield.
However, Sporting CP are said to be only willing to part ways with their No. 15 for his full release clause of €60 million (£53.1m). That’s a lot of money, but it could be worth it. After all, Ugarte is a different profile to the midfielders Liverpool have been linked with so far. He’s a hard-tackling defensive midfielder, and that’s the kind of player that could help the Reds get back to the top of the Premier League.
So, will Liverpool sign Ugarte? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure – he’s a player worth keeping an eye on.
Not for john henry and his fsg