Talented Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte has been rumored to join Chelsea for a fee close to €60m this summer.
According to the Portuguese media outlet Notícia Record, Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte has decided to join Chelsea this summer. He has rejected offers from clubs like PSG and Liverpool to join Chelsea.
Chelsea managed to beat the competition as they have agreed to activate the €60m release clause in the player’s contract. Even though PSG offered him a higher salary and is set to miss out on European competitions next season, the player and his agent Jorge Mendes decided to join the Blues.
More contacts are expected today for Manuel Ugarte deal, involving also Jorge Mendes. 🚨🔵🇺🇾 #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 4, 2023
Chelsea consider deal now at ‘advanced stage’ for €60m fee — but not done or sealed yet, being still careful with PSG around until documents are signed.
Key hours ahead. pic.twitter.com/QrREDPGm6A
The player has also featured for the Uruguayan national team and was part of their World Cup squad.
Manuel Ugarte stats at Sporting CP
The Uruguayan midfielder joined Sporting CP in August 2021 after impressing for Famalicao.
Ugarte has been one of the most promising players for the club despite playing as a starter this season. He is widely recognized as a top talent in Europe as a young defensive midfielder with many qualities.
Ugarte has the third most minutes played in the Portuguese league this season with over 2300 minutes. He has barely been replaced this season due to his incredible performances and there is no natural replacement at the club for his unique role. In total, he has 47 appearances which is a great number for a 22 year old.
◉ Most tackles made in the 2022/23 Primeira Liga: Manuel Ugarte (102)
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 21, 2023
◉ Most tackles made in the 2022/23 Champions League: Manuel Ugarte (29)
◉ Most tackles made in in the 2022/23 Europa League knockout stages: Manuel Ugarte (22)
Got that Garra Charrúa. 🧉 pic.twitter.com/EPTfNMjQbG
As a defensive midfielder, Ugarte has had no goal contributions this season. This is because his role on the team is to stop attacks and provide security at the back.
Ugarte does however boast a great amount of tackles. He has the most tackles completed in the Primera Liga, the Champions League, and the Europa League. It is more impressive considering Sporting Lisbon was knocked out of the UCL group stages and only played a few games in the Europa League.
With a pass efficiency rate of 91.3% this season, the defensive midfielder also keeps things neat on the ball.
Is he worth €60m fee?
While Ugarte is a great talent for sure, is he worth the expensive fee being paid for him? A €60m fee is a very large number for any player. But Ugarte has shown why spending that amount on him could prove to be beneficial.
When compared to Chelsea’s present alternatives in the midfield, Ugarte appears to be a clear upgrade. He can bring stability to Chelsea’s midfield, allowing other midfielders to be more attacking.
https://twitter.com/theenzoera/status/1662842505870671876?s=20
Mauricio Pochettino who is Chelsea’s new manager will sign Ugarte as his first signing. The experienced manager is known to bring out the best in young talents. And he could utilize Ugarte properly to boost Chelsea.
His great passing ability and range, coupled with his aggression and immense tackling ability are qualities that Pochettino will admire in his midfield. He also operates well in tight spaces and invites pressure.
With Enzo Fernandez at his side, Ugarte could make sure to allow Chelsea to go forward attacking while he provides safety at the back.
All in all, Manuel Ugarte could prove to be another Claude Makelele for the Blues.
