Sporting Lisbon midfielder, Manuel Ugarte will leave the club this summer with his agent talking up a move to Premier League giants Liverpool.
The 22-year-old has been reportedly targeted by many PL clubs including Arsenal, Spurs, and Newcastle. And it’s fair to say Jorge Chijane, Ugarte’s representative, does not expect him to still be a Sporting player in 2023-24.
Liverpool are said to have shown interest in the midfielder for quite sometime now. Moreover, the Reds are reportedly ready to meet the Uruguayan’s release clause which is said to be around £53m.
Just like his previous counterpart, Joao Palhinha, who is also one of Liverpool’s targets, the player seems to be attracting interest from Europe. Ugarte is a no non-sense defensive midfielder and has been rivaling former Sporting player, Palhinha.
The 22-year-old has averaged more successful tackles than anyone in the Europa League with 6 per game. Moreover, Sporting knocked Arsenal out in the Europa League round of 16.
It has been reported that it was this game in which Arteta started admiring the outstanding performance of Ugarte. Since then, the Gunners along with Newcastle, Tottenham Leeds, Aston Villa, and many others have shown interest in the Uruguayan.
Could Liverpool land Manuel Ugarte?
The player’s agent, Jorge Chijane told O Jogo about the interest in the player from many clubs.
“It’s almost certain that he won’t stay. It’s sure he will leave. Soon I’ll be in Lisbon. I trust Jorge Mendes, who is the best agent in the world.
The agent also said that Liverpool aren’t the only club in the race when asked specifically about the chances of Ugarte joining Klopp at Anfield.
“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).
There are many offers on the table. I believe that, in 15 days, the situation will be resolved.“
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