Atletico Madrid have been linked with a shock swoop for Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Ugarte, 23, joined the Red Devils last summer after a protracted pursuit of the Uruguayan international eventually led to a £50 million agreement with Paris Saint-Germain (£42.3m up front with a further £8.5m in potential add-ons).
It was an expensive price for a defensively-minded midfielder such as Ugarte, but the paucity of options in the position across Europe meant the number of candidates for the position were limited.
Ugarte had previously shone in Portugal in the heart of Sporting CP under new head coach Ruben Amorim, which meant the 40-year-old’s arrival at Old Trafford to replace Erik ten Hag was a happy coincidence for the midfielder.
Ugarte has a wealth of experience in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system and his combative, high-energy style is a welcome addition in the United head coach’s vision for his new team.
However, Spanish outlet Fichajes reveals, this is an appreciation shared by Diego Simeone.
The report claims the Atleti manager is prioritising a new defensive midfielder this summer as Los Colchoneros already consider preparations for next season.
“Atlético de Madrid are already thinking about reinforcing their squad for next season, and one of Diego Simeone ‘s priorities is the addition of a central midfielder who not only provides defensive solidity, but also has the ability to distribute the play with precision.”
Three targets have reportedly been identified for the role: Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, both linked with moves to Arsenal as well, are one and two on Simeone’s list, while Ugarte is the third.
“Finally, Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte is also on Atlético’s wish list. The Manchester United player is not having the expected prominence at Old Trafford, which could facilitate his departure in the next transfer window,” Fichajes reveals.
Atletico have previously been linked with a move for Ugarte with the 23-year-old’s relentless work rate and strong pressing and ball recovery skills the perfect compliment to Simeone’s philosophy.
Whether Amorim would be willing to give up such a familiar face at Old Trafford among a sea of unfamiliar ones is an entirely different story. The Peoples Person would cast a dubious eye over this potential exit for Ugarte in the summer.
Feature image Jan Kruger via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
