Liverpool are interested in signing Sporting midfielder Manuel Ugarte

According to Portuguese journalist Bruno Andrade (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon’s Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte this summer.

The report also reveals that the Reds have made contact with the Portuguese club regarding the player’s potential transfer. He has a release clause of £53m in his contract, which expires in the summer of 2026 (Transfermarkt).

Ugarte, 22, is a defensive midfielder by trade who likes to be aggressive off the ball, win duels physically and aerially, be secure in passing and cover the ground at a rapid pace.

Liverpool are interested in signing Sporting midfielder Manuel Ugarte. — Liverpool are interested in signing Manuel Ugarte this summer. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

The Uruguay international has been at Sporting since the start of last season, making 81 appearances. Although early in his career, the injury record has been exceptional so far.

Unless a person is living under the rocks, we all know that Liverpool are looking to bolster their midfield with a few signings in the coming window.

While Fabinho is starting to play well in the last few games, he has dropped in pace in transition and could do with a little bit of help in terms of sharing game time with another specialist player of that position.

Moreover, the Brazilian will turn 30 next season, hence getting his potential defensive midfield successor now would not be a bad idea.

Ugarte has the qualities to come good under Jurgen Klopp. He can operate both as a lone number six or in a double-pivot.

With the release clause mentioned above, the 22-year-old would be shrewd signing on that price. We hope that Liverpool do the necessary homework on him and get the deal across the line as soon as the summer window starts.