Manchester United has reached a full agreement with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for the acquisition of midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The deal will see United pay an initial fee of £42.2 million, with the potential for the total to rise to £50.7 million (€60 million) due to performance-related add-ons.
Ugarte, who has been United’s primary midfield target throughout the transfer window, is expected to arrive in the UK on Tuesday to undergo a medical examination and finalize personal terms.
PSG initially sought the £51.1 million (€60 million) fee they paid to Sporting Lisbon last summer, exclusive of bonuses, but both clubs reached a compromise to ensure a swift conclusion to the deal. United reportedly feels positive about the agreement reached.
The Uruguayan international’s transfer comes just a year after PSG acquired him from Sporting Lisbon for £51.1 million. Ugarte has expressed a strong desire to join Old Trafford this summer, and discussions around personal terms have posed no issues.
Negotiations for the transfer also considered a loan deal with a buy obligation, but PSG and United ultimately favored a permanent agreement. The recent sales of Facundo Pellistri to Panathinaikos and Hannibal Mejbri to Burnley have created room in Erik ten Hag’s squad for Ugarte.
Ugarte was absent from PSG’s match-day squad for their Ligue 1 opener against Le Havre, which concluded with a 4-1 victory for the reigning champions. Last season, Ugarte led the French top flight in tackles, recording 98 despite starting only 21 matches.
PSG Satisfied with Ugarte Transfer
Paris Saint-Germain expressed satisfaction with the £50.7 million deal for Manuel Ugarte, achieving the desired outcome while ensuring a profit on their initial investment. The agreement includes a 10 percent sell-on clause.
Manchester United had initially offered £29.6 million (€35 million) and considered a loan option, but PSG held firm, ultimately securing an immediate sale that met their financial requirements. With the addition of Joao Neves from Benfica in a £50 million deal this month, PSG has a robust midfield featuring emerging talents like Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha, and they believe Ugarte, while talented, may not have received regular playing time if he remained.
Scott McTominay on the Verge of Departure
In other transfer news, Scott McTominay is close to finalizing terms for a move to Napoli. An agreement between the two clubs has been reached for a fee of £25.4 million (€30 million), with personal terms agreed in principle. Once the exit terms are finalized, McTominay is expected to travel to Italy for a medical evaluation.
While Manchester United is hesitant to part ways with the midfielder, McTominay is seeking regular first-team action. His potential transfer would also represent a profitable transaction for the club.
