In a recent print edition, Record mentioned that Chelsea are set to rival Paris Saint-Germain for Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte. It has been mentioned that the Blues are hoping to land the Uruguay international, who prefers a move to North London during the summer transfer window.
Ugarte’s Solid Run Of Form In Portuguese Football
Ugarte is enjoying a solid campaign at the Portuguese club as he has produced a lot of dominant performances for them at the centre of the park. The 22-year-old has picked up one assist in 47 appearances for Sporting this season across all competitions.
The Uruguay international has anchored the midfield with conviction based on his average of 3.9 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 0.5 clearances, 0.6 shots, 0.5 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in Liga Portugal. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball from midfield after making 91.8% of his attempted passes in the Portuguese top-flight (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Portuguese club is set to run out in the summer of 2026. Therefore, Chelsea will find it difficult to win the race to acquire his services during the summer transfer window.
Chelsea Are In The Race For Ugarte: Is He Worth The Fight?
Ugarte is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure possession back for his team at the centre of the park. He usually clears the danger when required and is a tidy passer of the ball as well.
The Uruguay international has got the vision to create some promising chances in the final third and is a decent dribbler with the ball as well. However, he needs to add a few goals to his game if he wants to become more successful in the future.
Ugarte has what it takes to inject more bite and steel into Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield. He might even help the Blues challenge for a top-four place in the Premier League next season.
Hence, Ugarte will be well worth the fight, so the West London club should focus on getting a deal done for him in this off-season.
