Manchester United have officially completed the £50.7 million signing of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, just hours before the transfer window closed.
United have pursued the Uruguay international throughout the summer, and he has now signed a long-term contract with the club.
The Red Devils will pay an initial fee of £42.3 million, with an additional £8.4 million in potential add-ons.
Ugarte, 23, was deemed surplus to requirements at PSG, only a year after joining them from Sporting Lisbon in a £51 million deal.
The ball-winning midfielder, who recently played a key role in helping Uruguay secure a third-place finish at the Copa America, had been eager for the move to Old Trafford.
Manuel Ugarte said: “It is an incredible feeling to join a club of this magnitude; one that is admired all around the world.
“The project that the football leadership discussed with me is extremely exciting; Manchester United is an ambitious club and I am an ambitious player.
“The passion of supporters is something that is very important to me; I know how incredible United fans are and I cannot wait to experience Old Trafford.
Mate, you need to see this… 🧉🇺🇾#MUFC pic.twitter.com/GCHIItJENZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 30, 2024
“I’m someone who is so determined to succeed; I will sacrifice and give everything for my teammates.
“Together we will fight to win trophies and reach the level where this club needs to be.”
Dan Ashworth, Manchester United sporting director, said: “Signing Manuel was another of our primary targets for this summer.
“He is among the very best ball-winning midfield players in the world and has an excellent record at both club and international level.
— Manuel Ugarte (@manuugarte8) August 30, 2024
“His qualities, experience and passion will be a great complement to our strong group of midfielders.
“Manuel is a player we’ve watched closely, and we are excited to see the positive impact he will make on the pitch and in the dressing room as we continue to strive for success.”
United manager Erik ten Hag plans to pair Ugarte with teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, suggesting that Casemiro may no longer be an automatic starter.
United’s strong relationship with Ugarte’s agent, Jorge Mendes, proved crucial during negotiations.
Ugarte becomes Ten Hag’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window, bringing United’s total summer spending to £200 million.
The 23-year-old joins striker Joshua Zirkzee and defenders Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui as the club’s new additions.
Manuel Ugarte did not feature in PSG’s first two matches of the new season, with manager Luis Enrique primarily using him as a substitute during the latter part of last season.
Despite limited playing time, the Montevideo-born midfielder played a significant role in helping PSG reach the Champions League semi-finals and secure a domestic treble, including the Ligue 1 title.
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