Manchester United has secured the services of Uruguayan defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, finalizing the deal on the last day of the summer transfer window. The transfer, which costs an initial 50 million euros (around $55.7 million), marks a key investment for United.
Ugarte, aged 23, is the club’s fifth major signing of the summer, following the acquisitions of striker Joshua Zirkzee, center-backs Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, and full-back Noussair Mazraoui. The total expenditure on new players for United this window has surged to nearly $240 million.
With a contract extending to 2029, Ugarte is anticipated to be a long-term replacement for the 32-year-old Casemiro. United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, highlighted Ugarte’s exceptional ability as a ball-winning midfielder, underscoring his importance to the team.
Manager Erik ten Hag lauded Ugarte for his “controlled aggression” and expressed optimism about his contribution to the squad. Ugarte, for his part, pledged to give his all for the team and strive for success, with the potential to earn up to 10 million euros ($11 million) in performance-based bonuses.
Ugarte’s stint at PSG was brief, spanning just a year after his move from Sporting in Portugal. Earlier on the same day, United transferred Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay to Napoli for 30 million euros ($33 million), creating a spot in the squad for Ugarte. Additionally, Mali youth international Sekou Kone joined United from Guidars FC and will initially be part of the academy setup.