In a recent print edition (subscription required), The Daily Mirror (26/3; page 74) revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are in talks with the representatives of Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte. It has been claimed that Spurs are showing interest in recruiting the Uruguay international during the summer transfer period.
Ugarte’s Impressive Run Of Form At Estádio José Alvalade This Season
The 21-year-old is having a decent campaign in Portugal as he has been responsible for putting in a string of impressive performances at the heart of Sporting’s midfield. Ugarte has been involved in 37 matches for his current club this season but is yet to score or assist a goal across multiple competitions.
The talented midfielder has given a good account of himself at the centre of the park based on his average of 3.9 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 0.6 clearances, 0.7 shots, 0.5 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per 90 minutes in Liga Portugal. He has also been accurate when distributing possession from midfield after making 91% of his attempted passes in the Portuguese top tier (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Estádio José Alvalade will expire in the summer of 2026. Thus, Spurs will have to make a sizable offer if they are serious about signing the Uruguayan sensation this summer.
What Will Ugarte Bring To Arsenal?
Ugarte can get stuck with his fair share of tackles to make life tough for the opposition at the centre of the park. He can sense the danger quickly to earn the ball back for his team and doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when needed.
The South American talent can also make a few driving runs with the ball from midfield and is an accurate passer of the ball as well. Hence, he will be a great fit for Tottenham‘s brand of football.
We can expect Ugarte to bring more bite and steel to the North London club‘s midfield department. He could even go on to offer some healthy competition for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the coming seasons. Thus, Spurs should think about going all out to land Ugarte this summer.
