This season, the youthful midfielder has shone for Sporting CP.
Newcastle United are preparing a “official proposal” to capture highly rated young Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte this summer, according to reports.
The Uruguayan is currently building a name for himself in Portugal, with a streak of crucial performances for Sporting. This season, he has made 24 appearances in the Primeira Liga, recording a 91.1% pass completion rate while also averaging an eye-catching 3.9 tackles per game. Ugarte’s tackling numbers are higher in the Europa League and Champions League, with 5.3 and 4.8 per match, respectively.
Newcastle United joins race with Tottenham to sign €60m Sporting CP professional midfielder
His performances are unlikely to go unnoticed across Europe, with a number of clubs already interested in signing him at the end of the season. Newcastle is one of them, with plans to enter the transfer market and make some notable acquisitions this summer.
A new update has come on the Magpies’ interest in Ugarte, as they may attempt to sign him during the summer transfer window.
According to Record [via Sport Witness], Sporting will need to sell some of their most valuable assets this summer, and Ugarte “appears to be at the top of the list.” Newcastle is said to have “growing interest” in him and sees him as a strong summer target.
The Magpies will reportedly “move forward with an official proposal” for the Uruguay international, whose current contract includes a €60 million (£53 million) release clause. His contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2026, so a large bid would be needed to entice him away.
Ugarte could be a fantastic signing for Newcastle at the end of the season, with his aforementioned off-the-ball ability highlighting his impact, not to mention being praised by football talent scout Jacek Kulig for being a “tenacious tackler” and someone with “great timing, anticipation, and positioning.”
He would be a long-term addition with a high ceiling at 21, but his performances for Sporting this season demonstrate that he could be an immediate significant player for the Magpies, offering both technical quality and bite in the heart of the park. More depth in that area is needed, especially if Eddie Howe’s team is to compete in the Champions League next season, and Ugarte might be the ideal addition in the deep-lying role, allowing the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joleinton to attack.
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