Manchester United may part ways with midfielder Manuel Ugarte when the winter transfer window opens, with many clubs interested in getting the Uruguay international, European sports portals said.
Rúben Amorim signed Ugarte in 2024 from PSG but the CDM flopped, failing to earn a regular starting role in the squad despite Casemiro's inconsistency and Lisandro Martínez's injury concerns. According to the latest reports, the 24-year-old's time at Old Trafford could be up after just two Premier League starts this season.
Galatasaray is a frontrunner to sign the youngster who cost the Red Devils £50.7m (add-ons included), Team Talk said in a report. “Galatasaray will knock on Manchester United’s door for Manuel Ugarte during the mid-season transfer window.... Galatasaray is closely monitoring the situation of Manuel Ugarte, who is reportedly set to part ways with Manchester United at the halfway point," TeamTalk quoted Turkish journalist Erol Evcen as claiming on X.
While midfield is a department that Amorim wants the board to spend money on, an immediate replacement for the Uruguayan may not happen in January if he leaves. With 'Licha' Martínez back fit, Amorim may use him as Casemiro's backup and try to buy a new defender on priority, the report said. Elche centre-back David Affengruber, one of the most sought-after players in Europe, is on the top of Amorim's list as things stand, TeamTalk said.
Who is David Affengruber?
The 6 feet 1 inch tall Austrian, who is also 24, is garnering the attention of more and more clubs each week following his arrival at the La Liga side as a free agent from Sturm Graz back home in 2024. The right-footed player, interestingly, is also capable of taking up the responsibilities of a CDM when needed. According to reports, Amorim sees a perfect long-term partner for Leny Yoro in him after following his play due to persistence from his scouts, TeamTalk said.
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His current deal runs till 2027 with an option to extend his deal by a further year, and Elche have slapped a €30m (£26m / $35m) price tag to ensure he stays till the end of the season. Juventus, Sevilla and Atlético Madrid were named the other frontrunners to snatch Affengruber from the ninth-placed side in January.
Manchester United had climbed to sixth in the Premier League on Monday as captain Bruno Fernandes scored twice to help them claim a comfortable 4-1 victory at bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers. Amorim's team have 25 points from 15 games and are hopeful of climbing the table and sealing a European spot by the end of the season.