Juventus are reportedly formulating a plan to pursue a summer transfer for Manuel Ugarte, the Uruguayan defensive midfielder currently at Manchester United. Long-time admirers of the 24-year-old, the Old Lady see Ugarte as a potential addition to strengthen their midfield, even as he struggles for consistent first-team action at Old Trafford.
Ugarte’s career trajectory has seen him move from Paris Saint-Germain to Sporting CP, and now to Manchester United, where he faces stiff competition for starting positions. The prospect of a move to Juventus could offer him more regular playing time while aligning with the club’s strategic ambitions in Serie A.
Juventus’ Proposed Transfer Strategy
According to Italian reports, Juventus are considering a loan deal with an option to buy for Ugarte during the summer transfer window. This strategy hinges on Manchester United agreeing to the proposed terms, though the Old Lady would not be willing to cover the Uruguayan midfielder’s full wages for the entire 2026-27 campaign if the loan goes through.
At Manchester United, Ugarte has struggled to break into the first team consistently. Since Ruben Amorim’s departure, he has only started one Premier League match out of six under interim manager Michael Carrick. Juventus see this as an opportunity to bring in a talented midfielder who could make an immediate impact in their squad while reducing financial risk through a loan arrangement.
Competition and Player Valuation
Ugarte’s potential move to Juventus is complicated by interest from other Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United and Aston Villa. Manchester United reportedly value Ugarte between £25m and £29m, meaning any deal would require careful negotiation.
While Juventus remain interested, Ugarte is no longer considered an immediate priority for the club, reflecting uncertainty around his future. Despite this, his experience in top European leagues and international exposure with Uruguay keep him on the radar as a valuable midfield asset.
Agent Dynamics and Juventus Connections
An important element in the potential deal is the relationship between Ugarte’s agent, Jorge Mendes, and Juventus’ General Manager, Damien Comolli. The two have a long-standing professional relationship, which could help facilitate discussions regarding the Uruguayan midfielder. Tuttosport highlights this “excellent relationship” as a key factor in Juventus’ ongoing interest.
Even so, Juventus’ pursuit of Ugarte is not as urgent as it once was. The club continues to monitor the situation, balancing the player’s availability, wage demands, and squad priorities as they plan for the upcoming season. For now, any transfer move would need careful coordination between Manchester United, Juventus, and Ugarte’s representatives.
