Liverpool Football Club are reportedly close to securing the signing of Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte, according to journalist Orazio Accomando.
Ugarte to Liverpool?
The Reds have been looking to bolster their midfield for some time, with their current crop of players either aging, injury-prone, or inexperienced. The 22-year-old Ugarte has been in outstanding form for Sporting CP this season, with an average of 4.3 tackles per game.
Reports suggest that Liverpool have missed out on Jude Bellingham, who is rumoured to be joining Real Madrid, but the club has been linked to several other midfielders, including Ugarte, Alexis Mac Allister, and Mason Mount.
Ugarte is a highly sought-after player, with a release clause of £53 million. Liverpool’s interest in Ugarte is not surprising, given his tenacity in the midfield, which is something the team has been lacking this season.
Taking to Twitter, DAZN reporter Accomando claimed that a move for Ugarte is now “very close”, suggesting Liverpool could be set to make their first midfield signing of the summer.
Can Ugarte be a replacement for Fabinho?
The club’s current defensive midfielder, Fabinho, is aging and may not be able to perform at his best for much longer. Ugarte, who is made of steel as and described as a play-breaker, could provide an immediate upgrade to Liverpool’s midfield or compete with Fabinho should the Brazilian suddenly get back to his best next season.
Despite earlier reports that Ugarte was set to join Liverpool, Liverpool sources in recent weeks have downplayed the club’s interest in the player. It remains to be seen if Liverpool will indeed sign the player or if they will instead focus on other midfield targets. Liverpool are said to be considering Alexis Mac Allister, Mason Mount, and Ryan Gravenberch as potential signings.
Liverpool have a history of buying players from Portugal and has had success in the past, with Luis Diaz (from FC Porto) and Darwin Nunez (from Benfica) proving to be instant hits at Anfield. Ugarte could be the next player from Portugal to join the team.
He has so far made eight appearances for Uruguay and was a member of the squad that traveled to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup last year. While Liverpool have downplayed their interest in the player, however, if the team does end up signing him, it would be a significant addition to the squad, as Ugarte is exactly what Liverpool needs in the midfield.
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