Manchester United have reportedly agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte and are now negotiating the structure of a potential summer transfer. This comes as United aim to bolster Erik ten Hag’s squad with a new central midfielder and possibly another centre-back.
United recently secured their second signing of the summer, bringing teenage centre-back Leny Yoro to Old Trafford after acquiring Joshua Zirkzee. However, to proceed with further signings, the club must offload some players to balance their budget. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Scott McTominay are two prominent names linked with potential exits.
To navigate their limited budget, French publication L’Equipe suggests that United are exploring a loan move for Ugarte with an option to buy. However, PSG prefers an outright sale and is seeking at least €60m (£51m) for the 23-year-old midfielder. Ugarte, who has struggled to make an impact in his first season at PSG, is free to leave the Ligue 1 champions.
United’s financial flexibility is constrained, having recently agreed to a total package for Yoro worth £52m. Despite these constraints, negotiations are ongoing, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that personal terms with Ugarte have been settled.
United had hoped to sell Casemiro to the cash-rich Saudi Pro League to make room for Ugarte, but no offer for the Brazilian midfielder has materialized. Casemiro’s performance dipped towards the end of the 2023/24 season after being deployed as a centre-back.
Other potential departures include Scott McTominay, who has attracted interest from Fulham and West Ham, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, also linked with West Ham. Additionally, United could raise funds by selling Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof if suitable offers are received.
In addition to pursuing Ugarte, United are keen on Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt. However, their interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has cooled due to Everton’s steep £70m asking price. As United continue to navigate the transfer market, they are determined to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
