Manchester United make formal offer for midfielder but remain below PSG’s valuation
Manchester United have formally submitted a bid for Paris Saint‑Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, hoping to strengthen their central midfield with a physical, athletic presence. While personal terms with the Uruguayan international have reportedly been agreed, United are still well short of PSG’s asking price. PSG maintain a valuation significantly higher than United’s current offer, keeping negotiations in a stalemate.
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The Stakes: Why United Want a Midfield Upgrade
Under head coach Rúben Amorim, United have shifted to a 3‑4‑2‑1 system that demands pace, power, and dominance in midfield. Analysts and insiders agree that midfield is the club’s most urgent priority—not striker recruitment—as United have long lacked control in the centre of the pitch .
Casemiro has declined since arriving from Real Madrid and Manuel Ugarte—while willing to move—is seen as a stopgap with questions over his quality and temperament. United’s rebuild hinges on finding a midfielder who can get to balls first, dominate possession, and shield the back line—traits the club have lacked for years .
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The Offer vs. PSG’s Demands
United’s offer: Initially reported at around €45 million, potentially rising into the €50–55 million range with add-ons .
PSG’s asking price: Strongly sticking to a valuation of €70 million, with some reports later suggesting a slight discount to €59 million—though United remain below that threshold .
Despite reaching personal terms with Ugarte, PSG refuse to compromise unless United meets their valuation, and no official bid has been formally accepted yet .
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Negotiation Timeline
1. Late July 2024: United enter the race for Ugarte, aligned with PSG’s interest in João Neves. Dialogue begins between clubs.
2. Initial bid €45 m + add-ons: PSG hold firm on €60–70 m valuation, rejecting United’s first offer .
3. Mid-to-late July 2024: PSG reportedly lowers demand to around €59 m. United explore possible compromise offers in the €50–55 m bracket but still lag behind PSG’s expectations .
4. Pre-season 2025: With negotiations still alive but stagnant, United explore alternative midfield targets—including Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand and Valencia’s Javi Guerra—as Ugarte negotiations falter amidst financial constraints .
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Factors Holding Up Progress
Financial Constraints & Transfer Strategy
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the new sporting leadership have adopted a more restrained, resale-focused recruitment strategy—targeting young, high‑ceiling prospects who can also generate long-term value. That limits willingness to meet sky‑high valuations unless the fit is ideal .
United’s budget is heavily tied to offloading current players like Casemiro, McTominay, or others, to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Until stands are met, appetite for large outlays is constrained .
Alternative Targets and Tactical Needs
While Ugarte remains the priority, United continue scouting others—Valencia’s Javi Guerra is reportedly close to a £21.5 m move, offering a more technical playmaking option. If Ugarte talks collapse, the club may pivot toward this or other midfield signings with more reasonable fees .
There’s also external competition: PSG could seek to sign defensive midfield replacements for Ugarte, such as João Neves—potentially freeing the deal, but also complicating it if PSG simply retain him .
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Perspectives from Inside & Out
A writer for Sports Mole noted that even though United had apparently agreed personal terms with Ugarte, they ultimately “caved to PSG’s demands”—signing a deal worth €50 m plus €10 m add-ons, per late-summer 2024 news .
However, that deal may have fallen through later, as PSG reportedly held strong at a €70 m valuation. Further reporting suggested the parties remained in daily contact but no final agreement had been reached .
Meanwhile, sports journalists emphasize that midfield now matters more than ever—and that United’s failure to secure the right midfielder could compromise all their other recent signings .
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What Does This Mean for Manchester United?
1. Squad Alignment Under Amorim
Amorim’s system demands athletic midfielders who can close gaps quickly and press opponents aggressively. Without Ugarte—or another similar profile—United risk imbalance in their squad.
2. Financial Pragmatism vs. Tactical Urgency
United are walking a tightrope: they must satisfy PSR, sell high-value assets, and also invest in key areas. That push-and-pull is slowing decisions—especially if asking prices are viewed as inflated, even for elite prospects.
3. Risk of Missed Window
If talks stall and PSG do not budge, United may lose Ugarte to PSG themselves or another club—and PSG would be unlikely to negotiate if Neves or another replacement arrives. That would leave United scrambling for Plan B.
4. Alternative Moves
The potential capture of cheaper, technical players like Javi Guerra suggests United are hedging. But such players do not entirely match what is needed under the coach’s tactical model, meaning any midfield signing must be deeply considered, not simply affordable.
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The Bottom Line
United’s offer reportedly stands at about €50–55 million, including add-ons—well below PSG’s €70 million valuation .
Personal terms with Ugarte may have been agreed, but the key barrier remains the transfer fee.
United continue to assess other midfield targets, aware that their system requires a dominant, athletic presence in midfield.
Financial rules, existing squad sellable assets, and a new recruitment philosophy are all slowing the process.
If PSG hold firm or signs a replacement (e.g. Neves), the deal for Ugarte could collapse, leaving United to pivot quickly or risk entering the season under-equipped.
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Final Thoughts
This transfer saga epitomizes Manchester United’s transformation. On the one hand, they’re pursuing top‐talent signings like Ugarte to resolve a long‑standing midfield crisis. On the other, they are constrained by financial rules, internal project limits, and a desire to avoid overspending. So far, Ugarte remains out of reach—and unless PSG compromise significantly, United may continue to fall short in their bid for midfield reinvention.
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