25 May 2023 , 12:50
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Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Manuel Ugarte after Paris Saint-Germain triggered the £52million release clause in his contract.
Ugarte, 22, has been linked with a move to Anfield as Jurgen Klopp tries to bolster his midfield options this summer. The Portugal international has impressed for Sporting this season, making 46 appearances across all competitions and also excelled as they beat Tottenham in the Champions League.
However, according to Correio da Manha, Ugarte has agreed a mega-money move to PSG on a five-year contract. Chelsea were also keen on signing the midfielder, but his future is set to be at the French champions after they triggered the release clause in his contract.
As for Liverpool, they have followed the holding midfielder since he joined Sporting from fellow Portuguese club F.C. Famalicao back in 2021. Speaking earlier this month, Ugarte's agent Jorge Chijane confirmed there was interest between the Reds and the player.
Chijane, who works with super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has Liverpool stars Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Fabinho on his roster, told a Portuguese media outlet: "Liverpool? There is a lot of talk, but it is not the only club, there are others.
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"There is a lot of talk, but I am still not sure about the club (he will sign with)," he said. "There are many possibilities on the table. I believe that in 15 days the situation will be resolved."
Manuel Ugarte is set to join PSG (Getty Images)Now, it has been confirmed that Ugarte is on his way to PSG - a transfer blow for Liverpool. However, the Reds are looking at alternative options, including Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister. They pulled out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham, who is now poised to go to either Real Madrid or possibly Mancheste r City.
The cost of the deal was cited as an issue for the Reds, who will now look to add other players with Ryan Gravenberch a key target. The Dutchman's compatriot, Rafael van der Vaart, claims the Bayern Munich man is a better version of Bellingham, but much depends on whether the German club are willing to let him leave. They only signed him from Ajax last summer, but have since changed manager.
When asked about his side's transfer plans, Klopp said: "We look in all departments apart from goalkeeper at the moment. Yes, if there is a good [defender] out there, I would not deny it. That's all. We look at all areas of the pitch, definitely."
On the defensive side of things, the Reds have been linked with Ajax youngster Jurrien Timber. The centre-back's Dutch international team-mate Cody Gakpo joined in January, while Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk is already at Anfield.