Why Manuel Ugarte Could Be the Key to Liverpool’s Success | OneFootball

Transfer Speculation: Manuel Ugarte to Manchester United and Liverpool

Manchester United’s Interest

Last week there were some disturbing reports linking Manchester United with a summer move for Manuel Ugarte. After an inconsistent initial season with European heavyweights, PSG, the former Sporting Lisbon player appears primed for a new challenge away from the French capital. The common irregularities in the PSG system and the style of play (of the domestic champions) have meant that the ferocious ball winner has been unable to match the levels, which he portrayed to an incredible level whilst in Liga Portugal. If the Uruguayan International were to make a summer move to the Premier League, his attributes and tenacious attitude would make him the perfect addition to Manchester United, a team who struggled so often last season to protect their limited defence.

Liverpool’s Approach

To my own personal elation, it was reported on Thursday that Liverpool had made enquiries for the £50m rated defensive midfielder, after failing to attract that elite type of player last summer. Despite appreciating the skill set and efforts of the Japan international captain, Wataru Endō, the former Bundesliga star remains a player with limitations at the top end of the game. Before PSG secured the signing of Rúben Amorim’s former enforcer (last summer), the reds should have targeted the former Fénix academy graduate, as the Fabinho successor. Unfortunately, certain moves fell away during that transfer window and the huge spending Ligue 1 side got their man.

Ugarte’s Availability

Following only 12 months under the stewardship of Luis Enrique, the availability of the 19-cap Uruguay international is now once again open, something which has apparently attracted the attention of the sporting executives on Merseyside. Following the appointment of Michael Edwards to the CEO position and with Richard Hughes installed as the new Sporting Director, I am certain that alongside Ugarte, the likes of Atalanta’s Ederson and Porto’s Alan Varela, a South American ball winner will be targeted as soon as the Copa America concludes its completion run.

Liverpool’s Potential Midfield Dynamics

To pair Alexis Mac Allister with any of those three (in a double pivot) would suit the new system dynamic superbly, something that could mirror a period when Moisés Caicedo was exceptional next to Fenix his former Brighton teammate and current Liverpool sensation, Alexis Mac Allister. Arne Slot will demand control of the pitch and a system that is capable of overwhelming teams, which is why a new and vibrant defensive midfielder must be a priority. Given the pedigree of the Anfield giants and their standing as one of Europe’s best teams, the reds must be considered as front runners for his services, even when faced with competition from their biggest rivals, Manchester United.

Conclusion

Ultimately, this is an asset that would add elite protection to an already gifted squad, whilst enabling others to control the game state. Within an exciting group, there are some unbelievably talented individuals that would see their form improve greatly with the signing of one of Europe’s most destructive ball winners. Under new leadership and direction, there must be defensive attributes recruited this summer, especially given the questions surrounding those that have undertaken control of the Anfield club, since Jürgen Klopp’s departure. There have been numerous links to multiple players so far this summer, however, when it comes to those that can add assurance to the back line and those around them, the pool is limited and with regards to the potential acquisition of the Uruguay teammate of Darwin Núñez, Manuel Ugarte should absolutely be on the list of wants this summer

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Steven Smith