Liverpool Risk UEFA Sanctions in £52m Ugarte Deal

Liverpool’s £52m Transfer Tussle: UEFA Sanctions Over Manuel Ugarte

Could Liverpool’s £52m summer swoop for Manuel Ugarte invite sanctions from UEFA?

Liverpool’s pursuit of Sporting CP’s standout midfielder, Manuel Ugarte, could potentially trigger UEFA’s wrath. The 22-year-old has been in the spotlight as Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have shown a keen interest in acquiring his services in the forthcoming summer transfer window, with a hefty £52 million price tag attached.

Ugarte’s performance in the Liga Portugal has been nothing short of remarkable, turning him into a hot prospect for various clubs, including Liverpool. His name being linked to Anfield should come as no surprise, given the club’s need for bolstering their midfield. However, Liverpool’s shopping list is not confined to Ugarte alone. They’ve also shown interest in Alexis Mac Allister of Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea’s Mason Mount, as per GOAL.

Ugarte’s agent, Jorge Chiljane, has been very candid about his client’s future at Sporting CP. In a recent interview, he said: “Liverpool? There is a lot of talk, but it is not the only club, there are others. There is much talk, but I am still not sure about the club. There are many possibilities on the table. It’s almost certain that he won’t stay, it’s sure he’ll leave. I believe that in 15 days the situation will be resolved. Soon I’ll be in Lisbon. I trust Jorge Mendes, who is the best agent in the world. In fact, when I told him about Ugarte for the first time, he said to me: ‘Your eyes are my eyes’.”

Despite this, Sporting CP isn’t ready to let go of their star midfielder so easily. They’ve reportedly threatened legal action should Ugarte’s exit materialise.

UEFA Sanctions: Liverpool’s Potential Hurdle

According to reports from Correio da Manhã via Sport Witness, Sporting CP has warned Liverpool and other potential suitors of potential UEFA sanctions for ‘harassment of a player in the middle of the season’. It’s alleged that Sporting have ‘forbidden’ Ugarte from holding talks with other clubs.

Liverpool, currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, need substantial investment to close the gap to leading clubs like Manchester City. However, they must tread carefully in their quest to bring Ugarte to Anfield, given the potential ramifications from UEFA. As the 2023/24 campaign approaches, the Reds’ transfer strategy will be one to watch closely.