After being snubbed by Martin Zubimendi back in the summer of 2024, Liverpool were offered the chance to sign Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, according to The Athletic.
They rebuffed the proposal, and the midfielder subsequently went on to join Manchester United in the aftermath of Scott McTominay’s departure for £42 million (£8m in add-ons).
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How Manuel Ugarte’s United transfer came about
At the time, Ugarte’s value was considerably higher than it is right now, although PSG were still keen to facilitate his exit and sign young starlet Joao Neves instead.
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United, navigating their first summer window under INEOS, decided to pursue a deal, eventually adding the Uruguayan to their ranks and having him pen a five-year contract.
Now, however, it looks nailed on that Ugarte’s terms will be torn up after only 48 months, as he is expected to be on the move once again this summer.
Why United are adamant about shifting Ugarte on
A seemingly never-ending string of lacklustre performances from the 25-year-old have led INEOS chiefs to the conclusion that it simply hasn’t worked out.
They would rather part ways now, when they can still recuperate a respectable fee for his services (it’s thought they value Ugarte at £25m), than wait and risk having no suitors in the mix next year.
Following a particularly shoddy showing in the defeat to Leeds United last month, it was reported that Sir Jim Ratcliffe had personally green-lit Ugarte’s sale when on a visit to Carrington.
Ugarte’s record under Michael Carrick
Where might Ugarte end up before 2026/2027?
He is poised to have his pick of a handful of clubs, though.
Galatasaray held talks with Ugarte back in January before an agreement failed to materialise, but they retain their interest in the lead-up to the window reopening.
Ajax have also considered a move in recent months, while teams in Serie A would be willing to take a punt on the out-of-favour Red.
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The Athletic: Liverpool snubbed 2024 summer deal for Man Utd man who INEOS are now desperate to sell