Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has agreed to join Turkish giants Galatasaray this January, with a former Arsenal star playing a pivotal role in convincing him to make the move.
Midfielder Set for Turkish Switch
According to reports in Turkey, significant progress has been made in negotiations between Galatasaray and Manchester United over a loan deal for the Uruguayan international. The Super Lig side are pushing for a loan with an option to buy, while United are understood to prefer a mandatory purchase obligation. The structure is similar to the deal that took Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli in the summer of 2025.
Ugarte, 24, joined United from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024 for a fee of £50 million but has struggled to secure a regular starting spot at Old Trafford. United boss Ruben Amorim noted in November that the player had been “struggling” this season. He had started just two games prior to injuries to Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, which handed him a run in the side for matches against Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Former Gunner Plays Key Persuasive Role
A key factor in Ugarte’s decision to move to Istanbul is the influence of his international teammates already at the club. The report states that Fernando Muslera and, crucially, Lucas Torreira have successfully sold him on the club’s project.
Torreira, who joined Arsenal after the 2018 World Cup, has found a settled home at Galatasaray after difficult spells in England and Spain, making over 100 appearances for the club. His firsthand experience and advocacy are said to have been instrumental in convincing Ugarte that the move is the right step for his career.
United's Midfield Overhaul Continues
Ugarte’s potential departure is part of a wider midfield revamp planned by Manchester United. There are also ongoing doubts surrounding the long-term futures of experienced campaigners Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
The club has been linked with several potential replacements, including Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Newcastle’s Elliot Anderson, and a renewed interest in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba. However, head coach Ruben Amorim sought to downplay immediate transfer activity ahead of United’s trip to Leeds United, stating, “We have no conversations in this moment to have any change in the squad.”
Despite the manager’s public comments, the advanced talks with Galatasaray suggest business is being conducted behind the scenes as United look to reshape their options in the centre of the park.
