Newcastle United are keen on Manuel Ugarte in the summer, but Sporting CP could demand the Magpies pay up his full release clause.
According to Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, Manuel Ugarte is a target for Newcastle United in the summer. Sporting CP are keen to retain the midfielder. They are willing to make a new contract offer, to increase his current release clause from €60 million to €80 million.
Portuguese clubs work differently from teams in England or any of the top five leagues. Their player contracts are often complex because of the various clauses they tend to include when they bring in young players, especially from South America.
In some cases, they include a huge sell-on clause to reduce the initial asking price, while at times, they only own a percentage of a player’s rights. For instance, after Enzo Fernandez’s €120 million move to Chelsea, Benfica will pay 25% of the fee to River Plate.
With Sporting CP and their midfielder Manuel Ugarte, they only own 60% of the player’s rights, which sometimes makes it complex to conduct a sale. The 21-year-old South American midfielder has a €60 million release clause. The Portuguese side wants to maximise their profits.
In light of significant interest from the English clubs before the January window, Sporting began making an effort to extend his contract from 2026 to 2027. They were reportedly willing to increase his wages to €700,000 per year but also wanted to increase his release clause from €60 million to €80 million.
Ugarte is unhappy about the latter part, as clubs like Newcastle United are interested in signing him. The 21-year-old South American midfielder had many English clubs watching him during the World Cup. Some may have had unsuccessful approaches in January.
He could become available in the summer for Newcastle United if the Magpies are willing to pay up his current release clause. Sporting would want that paid at all costs, as they seek to profit from the sale. Eddie Howe is reportedly a fan of the Uruguayan and would like to bring him to St. James’ Park.
Whether they are willing to pay heavily for the emerging midfielder remains the question. The Magpies have spent their money rather prudently, which they might continue doing in the next phase.
