Manchester United have placed a €28 million price tag on midfielder Manuel Ugarte and are preparing for his departure this summer, according to reports. Uruguayan journalist Rodri Vazquez has stated that Ugarte's "days are numbered" at Old Trafford, with talks involving the player's representatives and super-agent Jorge Mendes scheduled this week to facilitate an exit. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has suggested the 25-year-old is 90-95% likely to leave the club in the coming window.
Ugarte arrived at United from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 for a fee reported to be around €50 million but has failed to secure a regular starting role. This season, he has made only eight Premier League starts, and the club's anticipated midfield overhaul has pushed him to the periphery. United are actively seeking at least two new marquee signings for the engine room, with players like Newcastle's Elliot Anderson, Brighton's Carlos Baleba, and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton on their shortlist. The expected departure of veteran Casemiro further underscores the planned refresh in the position.
The need to raise funds is a significant driver behind United's willingness to sell Ugarte. After a summer of heavy spending last year, which exceeded €250 million, and with ambitions to return to the Champions League, the club must balance the books to finance further incoming transfers. As many as ten players could be moved on, with discussions also planned regarding the futures of Joshua Zirkzee, Altay Bayindir, and loaned-out players Andre Onana and Marcus Rashford.
Interest in Ugarte is understood to be widespread across Europe. While he has been linked with a stay in the Premier League at Newcastle United, clubs from other major leagues are reportedly more keen. Atletico Madrid and Napoli are cited as the most interested parties, with Galatasaray and Juventus also expected to be in the running for his signature. The reported €28 million valuation represents a significant loss on United's initial investment but reflects his diminished status and the club's urgency to streamline the squad.
For Ugarte, a move offers the prospect of regular first-team football ahead of the peak years of his career, having seen his development stall in Manchester. For United, his sale would provide crucial capital to reinvest in a midfield they believe requires more progressive, ball-playing qualities. The outcome of this week's talks is expected to set the stage for a busy summer of comings and goings at Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag's side prepares for a return to European football's top table.
