Liverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign Sporting midfielder Manuel Ugarte, with the Reds said to be in advanced talks with the player’s representatives.
According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Liverpool have been watching Ugarte in several matches and are preparing to make a bid for his signing.
Liverpool leading the race for Ugarte
Although other Premier League clubs are also expected to bid for Ugarte, the Reds are now considered the “strongest candidates” for his signature. The 22-year-old has a release clause of €60m, and it is believed that Sporting will find it hard to hold onto him if a bid of that amount arrives.
Ugarte’s agent, Jorge Chijane, has claimed that the player is “sure” to leave Sporting CP when the transfer window opens, and that it is only a matter of time before a team pays his release clause. He told O Jogo,
“It’s almost certain that he won’t stay. It’s sure he’ll leave. Soon I’ll be in Lisbon. I trust Jorge Mendes, who is the best businessman in the world.
In fact, when I told him about Ugarte for the first time, he said to me: ‘Your eyes are my eyes’.”
Jorge Chijane further added,
“There is a lot of talk, but there is not only one club, there are others. I am still not sure about which club [he’ll sign for].
There are many hypotheses on the table. I believe that in 15 days the situation will be resolved.”
Super-agent Mendes will help find Ugarte, 22, a new club with Liverpool reportedly the frontrunners to secure the deal. While Liverpool are reportedly leading the race, other clubs such as Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea are also considered contenders.
If Liverpool manages to secure Ugarte’s signing, it will come across as a statement of intent from the club, as they look to revamp their midfield options. Before the window opens, they are already close to signing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton.
Klopp may also look to bring in another midfielder and possibly a central defender and fullback. Liverpool have good connections in Portugal to broker deals, having recently signed Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz from Benfica and Porto.
They could apply similar tactics to bring the price to a level playing ground, as clubs often hesitate to pay release clauses in full.
Manuel Ugarte is a highly sought-after player, and it seems like Liverpool will secure his signature. However, with other Premier League clubs also interested in him, the competition for his signing is likely to be intense.
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