Following weeks of speculation, negotiations and uncertainty, Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United midfield is close to a defining facelift.
Early Tuesday morning (August 27), transfer mogul David Ornstein confirmed that Manuel Ugarte and Scott McTominay will travel for their respective medicals.
Per the Atheltic, Ugarte will depart for Manchester today ahead of his move from Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.
Additionally, Ornstein has confirmed McTominay is expected to fly to Italy to finalise his move to Serie A giants Napoli.
It is a significant moment in the summer transfer window, with Ten Hag edging closer to sealing his desired midfield trio ahead of a busy 2024-25 campaign.
Ugarte en route to Manchester
Manchester United are purchasing a dogged midfield player who can sit at the base of a midfield and perform the duties of an elite defensive cog.
His abilities are at such a level that Kobbie Mainoo will be free to roam further upfield, benefitting his teammates in an attacking aspect.
Ugarte will attend his medical before completing his proposed move for €50million (£42.3m) with a further €10m in performance-related add-ons.
PSG had desired a fixed fee from the opening day of negotiations, aiming to recoup all of the €60m (£51.4m) they had paid Sporting Lisbon for the 23-year-old 12 months prior.
It is a positive sign for the best-in-class backroom team in moving forward and a distinct improvement on the transfer philosophy within the club over the past two decades.
A new chapter awaits Scott
The McTominay deal presents an altogether different dynamic, with much of the supporter base (myself included) sad to see the Scottish international depart.
A loyal product of the famous academy in the North West, the 27-year-old is still high following his most fruitful season, supplying ten goals and three assists in 43 appearances.
But the Lancaster lad desires regular playing time, and even the most avid of supporters will appreciate that his abilities can not dictate a place in a United starting XI if the club is to return to domestic and European dominance.
Gli Azzurri has agreed, in principle, on a deal in the region of approximately €30m (£25.4m), with United crucially retaining a sell-on fee – a common trend throughout the summer.
Fulham had previously attempted to take the Scot to Craven Cottage with several bids during the window, but their valuation of £20 m fell well below the 20-time English champion’s desired fee.
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