Manuel Ugarte has confirmed his imminent move to Paris Saint-Germain as Premier League trio Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United target prepares to leave Sporting Lisbon.
While it is pretty much common knowledge that the Uruguay international will be plying his trade at the Ligue 1 champions next season, official confirmation had not been forthcoming.
Well, until today, that is.
According to the Birmingham Mail, Unai Emery had discussed the idea of bringing Manuel Ugarte to Aston Villa. There was also interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and a Newcastle United side now turning their attention to Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella (Record).
Ugarte, however, has now broken his silence at last; confirming after Uruguay’s 4-1 hammering of Nicaragua on Wednesday that the French capital will be his eventual destination.
Manuel Ugarte leaves Sporting Lisbon for Paris Saint-Germain
“The truth is that, now, I have to rest a little. And then (I will) start with everything at PSG,” Ugarte tells Record. “I’m going to a giant club. I haven’t even fully realised that yet.”
Record say that PSG will pay £51 million for one of Europe’s most promising defensive midfielders. Ugarte could form part of a new-look engine room – potentially under Julian Nagelsmann – with the stylish Kang-In Lee also arriving after a superb campaign at Real Mallorca in La Liga.
The only disappointment, as far as Ugarte is concerned, is that his arrival coincides with the departure of one Lionel Messi.
The World Cup winner had his long-awaited switch to MLS outfit Inter Miami confirmed earlier in the month..
“It’s true that Messi is leaving,” Ugarte adds. “It would have been incredible to play with him, but these are football things. But I’m very happy.”
Ugarte’s agent, Jorge Chijane, appeared to confirm Liverpool’s interest a month ago in a tough-tackling 22-year-old who averaged the most tackles per game in this season’s Europa League.
Liverpool, however, will now turn their attention to Manu Kone of Borussia Monchengladbach and Nice’s Khephren Thuram instead.
“It’s almost certain that he won’t stay. It’s sure he will leave,” Chijane told O Jogo.
“Liverpool? There’s a lot of talk, but they are not the only club (interested). There are others. There are many offers on the table. I believe that, in 15 days, the situation will be resolved.”
Chijane may have been a fortnight out in the end but his optimism, it seems, was not misplaced.
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