Man Utd ready to complete long-awaited transfer

Manchester United’s first piece of business in the January transfer window could be a deal that fans of the Old Trafford side have long waited for.

During the summer, the Red Devils splashed out more than €250 million on new players to limited effect. While Bryan Mbeumo, particularly, has shone since joining from Brentford, Ruben Amorim’s side are still only 12th in a congested Premier League table.

With Mbeumo primed to leave for AFCON, there are legitimate concerns about how Man Utd will perform without him, particularly with Benjamin Sesko currently struggling with injury.

But before any new signings can arrive in January, the likelihood is that there will need to be some sizeable sales.

Manuel Ugarte wanted by Galatasaray

One of the deals being touted is Manuel Ugarte, whose prospects of a departure have been given a boost with the news that Galatasaray are interested in him.

The Turkish journalist reports on X: “Galatasaray are closely monitoring the situation of Manuel Ugarte, who is reportedly set to part ways with Manchester United at the halfway point of the season.

“Galatasaray will knock on Manchester United’s door for Ugarte during the mid-season transfer window.”

Deal possible on one condition

While Ugarte is out of favour under Ruben Amorim, the likelihood of a sale in January seems to hinge on United finding a suitable replacement.

Amorim’s side have been linked with several big-money players, notably Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, but in this case, any replacement for Ugarte would likely be a low-cost option. The type of marquee player that Amorim would ideally sign is likely to be

Ugarte, signed from PSG for €50 million, still has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €52.6m, but even if Man Utd were able to recoup this figure from Galatasaray, their primary midfield targets are coming in at a substantially higher price.

Allowing Ugarte to leave without signing cover is presently unthinkable as Amorim’s midfield options are already thin on the ground, with only Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo providing cover for Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.

Related stories:

Man Utd receive Adam Wharton transfer confirmation

Man Utd could officially sanction January deal in next hours

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