Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is close to finalizing the transfer of Manuel Ugarte Ribeiro, a Uruguayan professional footballer who primarily plays defensive midfield for PSG and the Uruguay national team, to Manchester United. The deal is worth €60 million, with €50 million guaranteed and an additional €10 million based on performance.
Ugarte, who came through Fénix’s youth academy and began his professional career there in 2016, has had a significant journey through European football. After moving to Portuguese club Famalicão in 2021, he quickly impressed and secured a transfer to Sporting CP, where he won the Taça da Liga. In July 2023, he signed a five-year contract with PSG, where he was nominated for the UNFP Player of the Month award in August 2023 after an impressive start in Ligue 1.
Ugarte has already made a strong impression at PSG with 41 ball recoveries in his first four Ligue 1 matches, and fans believe he will play a key role at Manchester United, potentially helping them to challenge for the Premier League title. Football fans looking to bet on upcoming matches can take advantage of bonuses using the 1xbet promo code before placing their bets.
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Transfer Agreement and Financials
The agreement between PSG and Manchester United is structured around a guaranteed fee of €50 million, with potential add-ons based on Ugarte’s future performances at Old Trafford.
Additionally, PSG has secured a 10% sell-on clause, which ensures the club will benefit financially from any future sale of Ugarte by United. This financial structuring allows PSG to potentially recoup more value from the player in the future, aligning with the club’s long-term financial strategies.
Ugarte’s Time at PSG
Ugarte joined PSG from Sporting Lisbon in 2023 for a fee of €60 million, coming off a successful spell in Portugal where he had quickly made a name for himself. During his single season with PSG, Ugarte made 37 appearances, contributing to the team’s domestic successes, including winning the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France. However, despite his initial promise, Ugarte’s role became more limited as the season progressed. He started all six of PSG’s Champions League knockout stage matches from the bench, leading to speculation about his future at the club.
Ugarte’s performances were often solid, particularly in defensive roles where he averaged 3.6 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game in Ligue 1. However, with PSG’s ambitions to rebuild and restructure the squad, especially in midfield, Ugarte became a player they were willing to negotiate over, especially with the emergence of other targets and the need to balance the squad under Financial Fair Play regulations.
Strategic Move by PSG
Transferring Ugarte to Manchester United aligns with PSG’s broader strategy to reconfigure their midfield and make room for other key signings. By agreeing to a deal that includes significant performance-related bonuses and a sell-on clause, PSG ensures that the club remains financially prudent while potentially benefiting from Ugarte’s future success in England.
Moreover, Ugarte’s departure allows PSG to focus on other midfield options that align more closely with coach Luis Enrique’s tactical approach. The funds from Ugarte’s transfer may be reinvested to strengthen other areas of the squad as PSG continues to aim for domestic and European success.
Final Thoughts
While Ugarte’s time at PSG was relatively short, his contribution to the team was appreciated. He was part of the squad that secured the club’s 12th Ligue 1 title and played a role in their domestic cup victories. However, as PSG looks to evolve and build a squad capable of challenging for the UEFA Champions League, Ugarte’s move to Manchester United represents a mutually beneficial outcome for both the player and the club.
As Ugarte prepares for his medical in Manchester, PSG can reflect on a transfer that, while short-lived, has contributed to their ongoing project of maintaining competitive excellence at the highest levels of football.
