Manchester United have reached a significant agreement with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to secure the services of Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte for a fee of 50 million euros (£42.29m). The deal, which also includes the potential for an additional 10 million euros (£8.46m) in performance-related payments, marks a major step forward in United’s summer transfer activities.
Ugarte, 23, who has been a key target for United throughout the summer, is poised to fly to Manchester for a medical later today.
This transfer is part of a broader strategic move by United, coinciding with midfielder Scott McTominay’s imminent 30 million euro (£25.37m) switch to Italian giants Napoli. The departure of McTominay, a long-serving homegrown player, appears to be the catalyst for Ugarte’s arrival at Old Trafford.
The Uruguayan midfielder joined PSG just a year ago from Sporting Lisbon for a reported 60 million euros and has since made 37 appearances for the French side, including 25 in Ligue 1, where he played a part in PSG securing their 12th league title. Despite his relatively short stint in Paris, Ugarte quickly became a standout player, earning a spot in the Copa America team of the tournament after helping Uruguay reach the semi-finals.
PSG and Manchester United have also agreed on a 10% sell-on clause as part of the deal, which reflects the confidence both clubs have in Ugarte’s potential. While PSG are satisfied with the terms, United have managed to negotiate a favourable agreement, positioning Ugarte as a crucial addition to their midfield lineup.
The completion of Ugarte’s transfer is contingent on McTominay finalizing his move to Napoli. There is a strong sense of confidence within Old Trafford that the Scottish international’s switch will go through without complications, as he is scheduled to travel to Italy for a medical on Tuesday.
United sources have acknowledged that the current structure of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations makes the sale of homegrown players financially advantageous, which partly explains the decision to let McTominay go.
McTominay joined United’s soccer school at the age of five and he has had a long association with the club. Despite being on the periphery of Erik ten Hag’s plans, he made 32 Premier League appearances and scored seven goals last season, including starting in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
However, with Ten Hag unable to guarantee him a regular starting position, United decided to accept offers for McTominay, which had been on the table for the past 12 months.
Manuel Ugarte, identified early by United as a priority target, is set to become the club’s fifth signing of the summer. Should the deal be completed, it will bring United’s total spending for the window to over £190 million, continuing a significant investment trend since Erik ten Hag’s arrival in 2022, which has seen the club spend nearly £600 million on new players.
As Manchester United continue to rebuild and strengthen their squad under Ten Hag, Ugarte’s arrival will be seen as a strategic move to enhance their midfield options. His defensive solidity and dynamic ball-playing ability is expected to complement United’s existing midfield talent, providing Ten Hag with greater tactical flexibility as the club looks to challenge on multiple fronts in the upcoming season.
