- Newcastle showing interest in Manuel Ugarte
- Manchester United star is an uninspiring target
- Uruguayan has struggled
Newcastle are showing serious interest in several midfielders this summer, with one potential candidate being Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte.
Uruguayan outlet Ovacion (via Sports Witness) claims that the Magpies and Aston Villa tried to sign Ugarte on loan. But Serie A giants Juventus have also entered the race for the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder.
Eddie Howe and the transfer chiefs are looking ahead to a busy summer, and there is a need to add more depth to the squad. A dissapointing ongoing season has highlighted the need for additions.
The Tyneside outfit originally showed interest in January, with a possible loan on the table, but nothing advanced between the two clubs. They could return for the player, although it’s not exactly the most exciting potential deal given the Uruguayan’s struggles at Old Trafford.
Ugarte Isn’t Good Enough
When the Uruguayan made a name for himself at Sporting CP, he quickly became one of the biggest names in Liga Portugal. He earned a move to PSG, where he was expected to be the Parisians’ midfield anchor.
That didn’t happen, and there is a reason the French side moved him on, and a reason why Michael Carrick’s side is trying to do the same. He just hasn’t been good enough.
Ugarte moved to Old Trafford in a £43.5 million deal in the summer of 2024. That is a fee they would be lucky to receive anywhere near this summer.
Ugarte has been a liability and has failed to make an impact, unlike Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim. His return of 1.53 points per game in the North West paints a bad image.
If Howe were to lose either of his star midfielders, it would be a critical mistake to swoop for the 24-year-old. Going from signing the likes of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes to targeting the Uruguayan is a real concern.
Newcastle Worried over Players’ Futures
The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund has completely changed the Magpies. From once flirting with relegation, to qualifying for the Champions League and winning a domestic trophy.
This season has been a step backwards, with them finding themselves outside of the top 10 and unlikely to qualify for Europe, despite Dan Burn’s recent optimism.
This has put a handful of players’ futures in doubt, but that mainly comes in the middle of the pitch. Club captain Guimaraes and Italian teammate Tonali have been linked with moves to Premier League rivals ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Brazilian was linked to Manchester United, though recent speculation has calmed down following a social media post from his agent. Losing his presence in the dressing room and unbelievable quality would be a huge blow to the St James’ Park side.
There is a strong belief that Tonali will be on his way out of the North East, with United once again interested, alongside other European heavyweights. He won’t be at this summer’s World Cup after Italy failed to qualify for the international tournament.
