Report: Manchester United star wanted by European giants | OneFootball

Galatasaray Step Up Pursuit of Ugarte

Manchester United’s summer rebuild is gathering pace, but while attention has largely centred on new arrivals, the club are also preparing for departures. One player increasingly expected to leave Old Trafford is Manuel Ugarte, with Turkish champions Galatasaray emerging as serious contenders for his signature.

According to a report from Turkish outlet Aksam, Galatasaray have identified Ugarte as their leading target to strengthen the holding midfield role ahead of another campaign that will include domestic and European ambitions. The Istanbul giants secured a fourth consecutive Turkish Super Lig title and are now looking to reinforce key areas of their squad.

The report suggests Galatasaray have compiled an extensive shortlist for the number six position amid uncertainty surrounding Mario Lemina’s future. Contract negotiations with the experienced midfielder have reportedly stalled, prompting the club to accelerate plans for alternative options. Ugarte has now moved to the top of that list.

For Man Utd, the growing interest could offer an opportunity to streamline the squad while recovering a significant portion of their investment in the Uruguay international.

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Man Utd Ready to Listen to Offers

The signs have been pointing towards an exit for some time. Ugarte arrived from Paris Saint-Germain with expectations that he would provide competition and long-term cover for Casemiro, but his spell in England has failed to gain sustained momentum.

Under Michael Carrick, opportunities have become increasingly limited, and the midfielder has struggled to establish himself as a regular presence in the side. As Manchester United continue reshaping their midfield department, Ugarte appears to have slipped down the pecking order.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has already indicated that there is a “95% likely” chance that Ugarte will leave Old Trafford this summer, adding further weight to speculation surrounding his future.

Manchester United are reportedly seeking around €28 million, which equates to approximately £24.2 million, for the midfielder. While Galatasaray’s willingness to meet that valuation remains uncertain, their interest appears genuine and increasingly determined.

The financial aspect is particularly significant for United. Having invested around £40 million to bring Ugarte to the club two years ago, recovering more than half of that fee would represent a respectable outcome given his limited impact in the Premier League.

Competition Emerging Across Europe

Galatasaray may currently be leading the chase, but they are unlikely to enjoy a free run at securing Ugarte’s signature.

Both Atletico Madrid and Napoli have also been linked with the midfielder in recent months. Those clubs could provide strong competition, particularly if negotiations over transfer fees become complicated.

For Ugarte, the attraction of regular football will be a major factor in any decision. At 25 years of age, he remains firmly in his prime years and will be eager to play a more prominent role than he has managed at Man Utd.

His reputation remains strong despite a difficult period in England. Manchester United previously described him as “unbelievable” following an impressive performance, underlining the qualities that initially persuaded the club to pursue him.

A move away from Old Trafford could offer the fresh start required to reignite a career that has stalled rather than flourished in the Premier League.

Fresh Start Could Benefit All Parties

There are transfers that simply fail to develop as expected, and Ugarte’s time at Manchester United increasingly feels like one of them. The midfielder possesses the energy, aggression and tactical discipline that made him highly sought after across Europe, yet circumstances have prevented him from consistently demonstrating those strengths in England.

Galatasaray’s interest arrives at a moment when all parties may be aligned. The Turkish champions need midfield reinforcements, Ugarte requires regular football, and Man Utd are eager to continue reshaping the squad as part of a wider rebuild.

Whether Galatasaray ultimately meet United’s asking price remains to be seen, but the direction of travel appears increasingly clear. As reported by Aksam, the Turkish club have made Ugarte a priority target, and with Manchester United prepared to sanction a sale, the coming weeks could prove decisive.

For now, Ugarte’s future remains unresolved, but the prospect of a move from Man Utd to Galatasaray is becoming more realistic with every passing day.