Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim has distanced himself from comments made by the agent of Manuel Ugarte indicating that a move to Premier League giants Liverpool could be on the cards this summer.
With Sporting setting their sights on overhauling Braga into third place in the Portuguese top-flight, the last thing Amorim needs is yet more speculation surrounding the future of yet another star player. The most unwelcome of distractions.
Jorge Chijane, speaking on Manuel Ugarte’s behalf, admitted earlier this week that he expected his client to leave the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the summer transfer window, before confirming Liverpool’s interest.
“It’s almost certain that he won’t stay. It’s sure he will leave,” Chijane tells O Jogo.
“Liverpool? There is a lot of talk, but they are not the only club (interested). There are others. There’s a lot of talk. But I am still not sure about the club (which Ugarte will join),” he adds.
“There are many offers on the table. I believe that, in 15 days, the situation will be resolved.”
Is Sporting Lisbon’s Manuel Ugarte heading to Liverpool?
Amorim, however, has wasted little time in issuing a retort, joking that all the speculation means Ugarte’s £53 million release clause must have already have been triggered.
“He is a very important player,” Amorim insists, in conversation with Record. “(His signing) was a preparation for Joao Palhinha’s departure. Now, let’s see (what the future holds for Ugarte).
“The agent has already said that he may leave. Maybe he already has 60 million euros guaranteed…
“I don’t know. The coach has nothing to do with that.”
Ugarte has stepped up superbly following Palhinha’s move to Fulham. No one in the entire Europa League has averaged more than his six successful tackles per game in 2022/23, the Uruguay international sharing his predecessor’s impeccable timing and ball-winning prowess.
Ugarte helped Sporting knock Arsenal out of Europe’s second-tier club competition.
According to O Jogo, his outstanding performance against the Gunners earned him the admiration of Mikel Arteta. Newcastle, Tottenham Leeds, Aston Villa and others are also reportedly keen, in addition to a Liverpool side preparing a long-overdue midfield overhaul.
Champions League-chasing Liverpool will travel to Leicester City on Monday night.
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