Barcelona will reportedly compete with Tottenham in the race to sign 21-year-old South American midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Manuel Ugarte is the subject of interest from FC Barcelona. The 21-year-old has emerged as a potential alternative to Martin Zubimendi, Xavi’s top target. Meanwhile, the Sporting CP midfielder is also a target for Tottenham Hotspur.
Manuel Ugarte has gone from strength to strength since arriving in Europe. The Uruguayan international spent his formative years in his homeland before joining Famalicao. And after just six months with the Portuguese outfit, he joined Sporting CP in August 2021. Since then, the young midfielder has come leaps and bounds.
The 21-year-old is a pivotal figure for Sporting CP and has been a regular this season. Thus far in his stint, Ugarte has turned out 72 times, chipping in with one goal and two assists. The South American midfielder’s progress has not gone unnoticed either, with Barcelona and Tottenham among his suitors.
Barcelona will look to identify the long-term successor to Sergio Busquets as soon as possible. While the veteran midfielder might continue beyond this season, he is well into his thirties. And with Busquets no longer being consistent, the Blaugrana will need a replacement. And Martin Zubimendi is Xavi Hernandez’s top target.
But the Spanish midfielder might be too expensive for Barcelona. Ugarte has thus emerged as a viable alternative. And after discussing the 21-year-old with his agent Jorge Mendes, they have been monitoring his progress. But Barcelona will face stiff competition from Tottenham for the South American midfielder.
The interest from Tottenham is surprising, considering Antonio Conte has several defensive-minded midfielders at his disposal. And Tottenham will be better off pursuing a creative midfielder in the summer transfer window. Nonetheless, Ugarte is among the top target for the north London club.
Meanwhile, Sporting CP will need to pay €7 million to Barcelona for Francisco Trincao. And such an operation might help them bring down the asking price for Ugarte. It will be interesting to see if the 21-year-old South American midfielder usurps Zubimendi on Barcelona’s shortlist.
