Man United finally land Ugarte from PSG in potential €60M deal

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United signed Uruguay defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain for an initial 50 million euros ($55.7 million) on Friday, with the transfer announced only in the final hour of the summer transfer window.

Ugarte is United’s fifth signing of the window — after striker Joshua Zirkzee, center backs Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, and full back Noussair Mazraoui — and takes the club’s summer spending on new players to around $240 million.

The 23-year-old Ugarte, who has signed a contract until 2029, has been a target of United throughout the summer and looks set to be the long-term replacement for Casemiro, who is 32.

The deal for Ugarte includes the potential for 10 million euros ($11 million) in bonuses, subject to performance and success.

"It is an incredible feeling to join a club of this magnitude; one that is admired all around the world," Ugarte said in a club statement.

"I’m someone who is so determined to succeed; I will sacrifice and give everything for my team-mates. "Together we will fight to win trophies and reach the level where this club needs to be.”

Ugarte spent just one year at PSG after joining from Portuguese team Sporting.

"Signing Manuel was another of our primary targets for this summer," said United's sporting director Dan Ashworth.

"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."

Earlier Friday, United sold Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay to Napoli for 30 million euros ($33 million), a transfer which created space in the squad for Ugarte.

Mali youth international Sekou Kone also joined United from Guidars FC in his homeland and will initially play in the academy.

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