Whilst Manchester United are now on the verge of completing their deal for priority target Manuel Ugarte, new details are emerging around the politics surrounding INEOS affecting the deal. Ugarte and United quickly came to an agreement on personal terms because the Uruguayan was eager to get to Old Trafford.
As Manchester United closes in on securing their top transfer target, Manuel Ugarte, new challenges have arisen that are complicating the deal’s progress. Initially, the transfer seemed straightforward, with Ugarte and Manchester United quickly agreeing on personal terms. The Uruguayan midfielder was eager to join Old Trafford, and both sides appeared to share the same goals. However, a series of unexpected issues have surfaced, causing delays of over a month.
The main hurdle is a significant difference in how Manchester United and Ugarte’s current club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), value the player. Manchester United’s offer does not meet PSG’s financial expectations, leading to a stalemate in negotiations. This disagreement over the transfer fee has become the primary obstacle, casting doubt on whether the deal will be finalized soon. Some reports have suggested that Manchester United may have pulled out of the race due to this deadlock, but it seems premature, as talks are reportedly still ongoing, though at a slower pace.
At one point, the valuation gap was so wide that it seemed almost impossible to close, with both clubs firmly sticking to their positions. To overcome this impasse, an alternative solution is being considered. The latest update hints at a potential loan deal that would see Ugarte join Manchester United with an option to buy for £51 million (€60 million). This arrangement could provide a middle ground, allowing both clubs to achieve their financial and strategic goals.
Adding to the complexity of the transfer are external factors beyond the usual financial and sporting concerns. According to insights from Duncan Castles on *The Transfers Podcast*, a rivalry between the owners of Manchester United and PSG is believed to be significantly impacting the delay. This tension is linked to INEOS, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, acquiring a minority stake in Manchester United, outbidding Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim, who also sought a stake in the club. This move has reportedly displeased the Qatari owners of PSG, leading to what has been described as a “battle of egos” between INEOS and Qatar.
This off-field rivalry seems to be affecting the negotiation dynamics between Manchester United and PSG, adding an extra layer of complexity to what should have been a straightforward transfer. There is even speculation that this strained relationship might be influencing other potential deals between the two clubs. For example, PSG’s interest in Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho appears to have cooled, and it’s unclear if the ownership tension played a role in this.
Despite these challenges, the situation is still developing. Negotiations for Ugarte’s transfer continue, with both clubs seeking a mutually beneficial resolution. The involvement of key figures and underlying tensions adds drama to the process, making the outcome even more uncertain.
Currently, the fate of Manuel Ugarte’s move to Manchester United remains undecided. The complexities of high-stakes negotiations, compounded by off-field rivalries, have turned what should have been a straightforward transfer into a saga. As the clubs continue their discussions, the football world waits to see if a resolution will be found that allows Ugarte to wear Manchester United’s iconic red jersey. The final result will not only shape the player’s career but could also influence future dealings between these two European football giants.
