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Manchester United’s summer overhaul is steadily progressing, and while the primary focus has been on potential new signings, the club is also preparing for several departures. One of the players most likely to leave Old Trafford is Manuel Ugarte, with Turkish champions Galatasaray emerging as strong contenders to secure his services.

As per a report from Turkish publication Aksam, Galatasaray have made Ugarte their top target to strengthen the defensive midfield role ahead of another season that will encompass both domestic and European competitions. The Istanbul-based club recently captured their fourth straight Turkish Super Lig title and are now intent on fortifying key positions within their squad.

The report further notes that Galatasaray have drawn up an extensive shortlist for the number six role due to uncertainties regarding Mario Lemina’s future. Talks over a new deal with the experienced midfielder are said to have stalled, prompting the club to accelerate their search for alternatives. Ugarte has now emerged as the leading candidate on that list.

For Manchester United, the rising interest in Ugarte could represent a chance to trim their squad and recover a considerable portion of the funds invested in the Uruguayan international.

The signs of a possible exit have been visible for some time. Ugarte arrived from Paris Saint-Germain with expectations of providing competition and long-term cover for Casemiro, but his stint in England has struggled to gain consistent traction.

Under the management of Michael Carrick, Ugarte’s opportunities have become increasingly limited, and he has found it difficult to establish himself as a regular in the side. As Manchester United continue to reshape their midfield unit, the Uruguayan appears to have slipped down the hierarchy.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has already suggested that there is a “95% likely” chance that Ugarte will depart Old Trafford this summer, lending further credibility to the ongoing speculation about his future.

Manchester United are reportedly demanding around €28 million (approximately £24.2 million) for the midfielder. While it remains unclear if Galatasaray are prepared to match that valuation, their interest seems genuine and increasingly persistent.

The financial aspect is crucial for United. Having spent close to £40 million to sign Ugarte two years ago, recouping more than half of that outlay would be viewed as a reasonable return given his limited impact in the Premier League.

Although Galatasaray currently appear to be leading the race, they are unlikely to face an uncontested path to acquiring Ugarte’s signature.

Both Atletico Madrid and Napoli have been linked with the midfielder in recent months. These clubs could pose serious competition, especially if discussions over the transfer fee become complicated.

For Ugarte, the lure of regular first-team football will play a pivotal role in his decision-making process. At 25 years old, he is at a crucial stage of his career and will want to secure consistent playing time—something he has not managed at Manchester United.

Despite his challenging period in England, Ugarte’s reputation remains intact. Manchester United once hailed him as “unbelievable” after an impressive display, highlighting the qualities that initially convinced them to bring him to Old Trafford.

A move away could provide Ugarte with the fresh start he needs to reignite a career that has stalled in the Premier League.

Not every transfer unfolds as planned, and Ugarte’s time at Old Trafford increasingly looks like one of those cases. The midfielder possesses energy, tenacity, and tactical awareness—traits that made him highly sought-after across Europe—but circumstances have limited his ability to fully showcase them in England.

Galatasaray’s interest comes at a time when all parties appear to share compatible goals. The Turkish champions are in need of midfield reinforcements, Ugarte is seeking regular football, and Manchester United are eager to continue reshaping their squad as part of a broader rebuilding project.

Whether Galatasaray eventually meet United’s asking price is uncertain, but the direction of negotiations seems increasingly clear. As reported by Aksam, the Turkish giants have placed Ugarte high on their priority list, and with Manchester United ready to consider a sale, the coming weeks are expected to be decisive.

For now, Ugarte’s future remains unresolved, but the possibility of a move from Manchester United to Galatasaray looks more realistic with each passing day.