Liverpool Turned Down the Chance to Sign Manchester United Midfielder
Liverpool’s midfield issues are no secret, with the club struggling to fill the void left by a specialist No.6. A recent revelation from James Pearce for The Athletic sheds new light on the club’s January transfer window decisions. In his report, Pearce reveals that Liverpool had the chance to sign Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, but ultimately decided against the move. The rejection of the £50m defensive midfielder, who eventually joined Manchester United, adds to the growing list of missed opportunities for Liverpool in solving their midfield conundrum.
A Missed Opportunity for Liverpool?
Ugarte’s move to Manchester United in August 2024, for a fee that could rise to £50.5m, raised eyebrows among many. The Uruguay international, who was highly regarded during his time at Sporting Lisbon, was reportedly offered to Liverpool earlier that year. However, the club’s decision-makers, including Arne Slot, were not convinced by Ugarte’s suitability for the team. Pearce explained, “They didn’t sign an alternative to Zubimendi in 2024 because they felt there wasn’t a suitable player on the market. At the time they were offered the chance to sign Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain but didn’t fancy him.”
The fact that Ugarte had already been linked with Liverpool prior to his move to Old Trafford makes this revelation even more intriguing. With Liverpool’s ongoing struggle to find the right defensive midfielder, the opportunity to bring in someone of Ugarte’s calibre only raises further questions about the club’s recruitment strategy.
Liverpool’s Midfield Struggles Continue
Liverpool’s midfield overhaul in recent years has been a key talking point, but despite their efforts, the No.6 problem remains unresolved. Liverpool have pursued multiple midfield targets, including Aurelien Tchouameni, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, and Martin Zubimendi, but none of those deals materialised. This trend suggests that Liverpool’s transfer policy in this area is either too cautious or simply misguided.
Ugarte’s profile, known for his combative nature and ability to break up opposition attacks, would have been a natural fit for Liverpool’s needs. While his move to Manchester United hasn’t exactly been a smooth transition—he has only started eight Premier League games this season—his defensive stats, including 2.1 tackles per game, highlight why he could have been a valuable addition to Liverpool’s midfield.
Arne Slot’s Challenge: Solving the No.6 Dilemma
Pearce’s broader assessment of Liverpool’s midfield issues also highlights Arne Slot’s struggle to find the right balance. The manager’s tactical acumen has been praised, particularly with Ryan Gravenberch’s transformation, but the Dutch midfielder’s form has dipped this season, along with Alexis Mac Allister’s defensive output. Pearce stressed that “A combative holding midfielder has to be on Liverpool’s summer shopping list,” a point that many fans and analysts are in agreement with, especially after Liverpool’s defensive frailties were exposed during the 3-2 loss at Manchester United.
The ongoing search for the right defensive midfielder is not just about one player, but about ensuring Liverpool’s midfield can provide the necessary protection for the defence, something that has been lacking throughout the season.
