Turkish side Galatasaray have made ‘significant progress’ in their pursuit of one of Manchester United’s midfield stars, who could be set for a January exit.
Now that 2025 has come to an end, the January transfer window has begun, and Manchester United could see a few faces head for the exit.
Following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Wolves, Ruben Amorim’s side now sit sixth in the Premier League on 30 points, and may need to shake up their personnel if they are to keep their hopes of a top-four finish alive.
A problem area for Amorim since his tenure began has been his midfield department, where he has struggled to find the right balance, leaving many United midfielders unsettled.
One of these midfielders whose future is up in the air is Manuel Ugarte, who started in United’s recent fixture before being substituted late into proceedings.
Galatasaray chase Ugarte
As reported by Fotomac, via Sport Witness, Turkish giant Galatasaray are ‘closely interested’ in the services of United’s Uruguayan midfielder, and have made ‘significant developments’ behind the scenes.
The 24-year-old is the player whom the Turkish side are closest to reaching an agreement with, although they are delaying negotiations as they would rather wait and see how their talks go for other targets.
There are multiple midfielders who rank higher on Galatasaray’s shortlist, although if no agreement can be reached for any of them, then they are ‘almost certain’ of a deal for Ugarte.
This deal would most likely consist of a loan with an option to buy, similarly to the deals that Napoli and FC Barcelona have in place for Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford.
United could be left short
Although it is fair to say that Ugarte hasn’t taken the world by storm since arriving at Old Trafford a couple of seasons ago, if the Reds are to let him depart in January, then they risk being short of midfield depth.
Kobbie Mainoo has been heavily linked with a January exit, similarly to the Uruguayan, whilst Casemiro will see his contract expire in the summer unless he is to be offered an extension.
If these departures were to take place, then Amorim would be left with only two senior midfielders at his disposal, those being Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes.
United are likely to acquire at least one new midfield signing in the next couple of transfer windows, although they may have to act immediately if they are to let one or two of their current crop leave.
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