Football Today
·27 June 2024
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·27 June 2024
Manchester United have turned their attention to signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte despite their long-term interest in Everton’s Amadou Onana.
The Red Devils are keen on bolstering their midfield department this summer. The club recently made ‘direct contact‘ with Paris Saint-Germain regarding Ugarte.
Foot Mercato now report that United have been following Onana for many months. However, they are now ‘looking more’ at Ugarte, who could leave Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG are interested in signing Onana. The Belgian could be a potential replacement for Ugarte, who is a priority for manager Erik ten Hag.
Both Ugarte and Onana prefer to operate from the defensive midfield position. The latter has been linked with an exit for some time, and he could leave Everton amid their financial issues.
He is a talented holding midfielder, but Ugarte would be a better acquisition. The Uruguayan is more assured with the ball at his feet than the Toffees ace.
Ugarte completed 91 percent of his passes per league game last term compared to Onana’s 85 percent.
He made more recoveries (7.2 to 5.3) and won more tackles (3.9 to 2.4) than the Belgian.
Ugarte, who has been described as a ‘tireless‘ midfielder by PSG’s official website, is a more like-for-like replacement for Casemiro with superior distribution skills.
He is valued at £38 million by Transfermarkt, but PSG may want to recoup the £51m fee paid to Sporting CP.
It could work out perfectly for both clubs, as PSG could sign Onana for a similar price.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.