- “I Would Say” – Reason Why Chelsea Missed Out Manuel Ugarte Signing
Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has explained why Manuel Ugarte snubbed Chelsea.
Chelsea appeared to be closing in on a deal for the 22-year-old despite competition from Paris Saint-Germain, with the Blues agreeing to pay his €60 million release clause as well as €5 million in add-ons.
However, despite an initial agreement with the player, PSG swooped in and managed to convince the Uruguay international to sign a long-term contract at the Parc des Princes.
Chelsea refused to pay above market value for the midfielder and turned their attention to Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo, who is set to cost in excess of £80 million, and other targets.
Sporting’s president, Varandas, has now revealed how Ugarte switched his preferred destination at the last minute to join PSG.
“A great player, with great character and an excellent professional, but he is not a PSG player. He is a Sporting CP player.
“Today, if you ask me, I would say that he has a 95 percent chance of leaving for one of the two big European clubs, which have exceeded the value of the termination clause. First opted for one, then switched to the other, which is normal.
“We said the conditions, which would be the clause and other costs that we understand that the buying club has to assume. It is not clear, but Ugarte is unlikely to stay at Sporting CP. I just cannot confirm whether it will be PSG.”
