Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Manuel Ugarte from Paris St Germain for a fee that could rise to £50million.
United have paid an initial £42m for Uruguay international Ugarte, with an additional £8m due in performance-related bonuses. The 23-year-old midfielder has has signed a contract until June 2029, with the option to extend for a further year.
Ugarte said: “It is an incredible feeling to join a club of this magnitude; one that is admired all around the world. The project that the football leadership discussed with me is extremely exciting, Manchester United is an ambitious club and I am an ambitious player.
“The passion of supporters is something that is very important to me; I know how incredible United fans are and I cannot wait to experience Old Trafford. I’m someone who is so determined to succeed. I will sacrifice and give everything for my teammates. Together we will fight to win trophies and reach the level where this club needs to be.”
Dan Ashworth, United's sporting director, said: “Signing Manuel was another of our primary targets for this summer. He is among the very best ball-winning midfield players in the world and has an excellent record at both club and international level.
"His qualities, experience and passion will be a great complement to our strong group of midfielders. Manuel is a player we’ve watched closely, and we are excited to see the positive impact he will make on the pitch and in the dressing room as we continue to strive for success.”
PSG wanted a fixed fee of £50m for Ugarte, but United held out for the deal on their terms, with a fee which they feel is a fair reflection of the player's market value.
United identified Ugarte as a priority target early in the window and he is their fifth signing of the summer after Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, taking their total spend to £200m.
The ball-winning midfielder, who recently helped Uruguay finish third at the Copa America, had been pursued by United all summer and Ugarte soon made it known that he was desperate for the move to happen. Manager Erik ten Hag wants him to parter teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo in the Red Devils' midfield, suggesting that Casemiro will no longer be an automatic starter.
United's good relationship with Ugarte's agent, Jorge Mendes, was crucial during negotiations and he becomes Ten Hag's fifth new addition of the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old's arrival also takes the Red Devils' summer spending to £200m after they signed striker Joshua Zirkzee as well as defenders Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussari Marazoui.
Ugarte didn't feature for PSG in their first two games of the new campaign, with boss Luis Enrique mostly using him as a substitute in the second half of last season. The Montevideo-born star did still help the French giants reach the Champions League semi-finals and claim a domestic treble, including winning the Ligue 1 title.