Liverpool preparing to make their first bid to sign Manuel Ugarte
As per Record (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool are preparing to make their first bid to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte this summer.
The report also reveals the Uruguayan’s release clause, which stands at £52.2m. Although the Reds are set to make an offer, the price of the offer is not mentioned yet.
The 22-year-old is under contract with the Portuguese club until the summer of 2026 (Transfermarkt). He is associated with an agency headed by Jorge Mendes, who is one of the prominent names in the football agent niche.
Ugarte, the former CA Fenix and Famalicao player, has been in terrific form for Sporting in the past 12 months or so. He rarely gets injured as well.
The Uruguay international is a defensive midfielder by trade who has predominantly played in a midfield pivot for Ruben Amorim’s men.
After shelving their interest in Jude Bellingham due to the cost involved, Liverpool are set to sign multiple midfielders this summer.
If the Reds sign Ugarte, he can become a long-term replacement for Fabinho. The latter will turn 30 next season and is not showing signs of ageing like a fine wine in footballing terms.
The 22-year-old reads the game well, can intercept opposition attacks, is good at tackling and physical duels and has a good passing range.
Other than the Uruguayan, Liverpool are linked with Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister, who will bring a different set of skills to the side. Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella has been talked about as well, while Mason Mount remains a primary target.
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- Arthur Melo confirms he will leave Liverpool and wants to play before saying goodbye
- Manchester City to join the race for Liverpool target Ryan Gravenberch
With the price mentioned for Ugarte, he would be an excellent signing for the Reds. At 22, the Uruguayan has potentially a lot to offer in the coming years, with a career peak yet to come.
