Chelsea have been linked with a summer move for Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte, a target for Liverpool.
Manuel Ugarte has been a key player for Sporting CP this season, and he has been linked with clubs like Liverpool as well. However, a report from Football Insider claims that Chelsea are now well-placed to sign the 22-year-old at the end of the season.
The midfielder has a £53 million release clause in his contract, and the Blues certainly have the financial muscle to pay the reported asking price. They have spent heavily on new signings since the change of ownership. The Blues signed Enzo Fernandez for a club-record fee during the January transfer window. but they need to bring in a reliable partner for him now.
Ugarte seems like the ideal fit for Chelsea in theory, and he could partner Fernandez at the heart of their midfield. The 22-year-old is an excellent ball winner and he will shield the back four as well. The opportunity to play for a club like Chelsea will be an attractive option for the youngster, and he is likely to be tempted to move to Stamford Bridge.
However, Chelsea will not be able to provide him with Champions League football next season. So it remains to be seen whether that is a deal breaker for him. His other suitor, Liverpool might not be able to provide him with Champions League football either.
Both Liverpool and Chelsea have had disappointing campaigns this season, and they are likely to miss out on a top-four finish. A move to the Premier League would be the ideal next step in Ugarte’s career and it will help him develop as a footballer. Playing alongside the best players in the world in the Premier League will accelerate his development.
Also Read: Liverpool keen on Manuel Ugarte: The Engine to Jurgen Klopp’s Ferrari?
Chelsea might lose N’Golo Kante as a free agent this summer. The French international has not signed an extension with them and he is set to move on at the end of the season. The Blues must look to replace a key player like him adequately, and Ugarte could be the ideal long-term alternative. But it will be interesting to see if they beat Liverpool to the £53 million-rated prospect.
