Jorge Mendes is reportedly pushing Barcelona to sign Manuel Ugarte, a target for Chelsea, whose release clause is worth €60 million.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Manuel Ugarte is the subject of interest from Barcelona. And Jorge Mendes is pushing the Blaugrana to sign the Uruguayan international, as they do not view him as a top target. The Sporting CP midfielder, whose release clause is worth €60 million, is also on the radar of Chelsea and PSG.
Manuel Ugarte has gone from strength to strength since arriving in Europe over two years ago. The 22-year-old rose to prominence during his short stint with Famalicao before Sporting CP snapped him up in August 2021. And he has been a pivotal figure for the Portuguese giants in the last two seasons.
The Uruguayan international is also growing in stature for his national side, turning out eight times thus far. Meanwhile, the youngster has made 85 appearances thus far for Sporting CP, chipping in with one goal and three assists. Ugarte’s progress has not gone unnoticed either, with Barcelona and Chelsea among his prospective suitors.
Barcelona will enter the market scouring for a long-term successor to Sergio Busquets. The veteran midfielder will play his last competitive game for the Blaugrana this weekend. And the Barcelona captain’s departure will leave a gaping hole in the midfield department. Ugarte is thus one of several midfielders to emerge on their radar.
But the 22-year-old is not the priority target for Barcelona, with Ruben Neves and Ilkay Gundogan ahead of him. The situation has forced Jorge Mendes to push the Blaugrana to secure Ugarte’s services. And Sporting CP might be ready to rake in instalments instead of asking for a payment of €60 million upfront from Barcelona. But Chelsea will provide stiff competition to them.
Meanwhile, the Blues are ready to shell out €60 million to secure Ugarte’s services this summer. And with Barcelona not prioritising a move for the youngster yet, Chelsea should have the advantage in the race to sign him. Meanwhile, Chelsea will face competition from PSG for the Uruguayan international.
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Recent reports have claimed that Chelsea and Ugarte’s camp have finalised the personal terms. But it will be interesting to see if Barcelona will compete with the West London club and PSG. For now, Jorge Mendes has urged the Catalan giants to push for his signature this summer.
