Loan with option to buy – Manchester United told conditions for midfielder transfer

Manuel Ugarte increasingly seems on his way out of the exit door at Manchester United. The Red Devils might be forced to make a compromise to let him depart.

Earlier in March, Sport Witness covered Gazzetta dello Sport’s claim about Juventus interest in the Uruguayan.

Italy’s pink daily appeared certain that the Old Lady will scout the midfielder during Uruguay’s friendly in Turin against Algeria. That game took place yesterday and ended in a drab 0-0 draw.

Ugarte started in midfield during the tie and today’s TuttoSport adds more details about the Manchester United player.

Juventus want initial loan deal

The Turin newspaper make it clear that the 24-year-old is seen as an ‘intriguing midfield option’ for the Bianconeri.

Sporting director Marco Ottolini is keeping a close eye on his situation, with the Old Lady having previously tried to sign the Uruguayan during his time at Sporting. At that point, the Portuguese club’s asking price had proved too much for the Italian giants.

Now, they seem to have doubts about Ugarte’s wages. He earns €4m per season at Manchester United and that isn’t something Juve are willing to pay. They would want help from the Red Devils to secure a deal.

That is why they want to execute an initial loan deal for Ugarte, and insert an option to buy. It remains to be seen if this is appealing for Manchester United, who signed him in 2024.

Manchester United may consider

The way things have gone for Ugarte in the last two seasons, Michael Carrick’s side will never earn a profit from his sale. They would have to cut their losses, especially considering their midfield issues.

Manchester United need reliable midfield signings and Ugarte’s exit will free up some finances. The Uruguay international has only proved to be a bit-part player, never really convincing any of the managers he played under.

Under Carrick, he hasn’t started a single time in the Premier League. That is definitive of his situation and Manchester United shouldn’t mind his initial loan exit, if it helps them sign a replacement.

The midfielder is contracted until 2028, with a club option for a further year.