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Newcastle continues to target Sporting FC midfielder Manuel Ugarte

By Cade Cracas

TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 24: Manuel Ugarte of Uruguay controls the ball against Hidemasa Morita of Japan during the international friendly match between Japan and Uruguay at the National Stadium on March 24, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 24: Manuel Ugarte of Uruguay controls the ball against Hidemasa Morita of Japan during the international friendly match between Japan and Uruguay at the National Stadium on March 24, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United has been in the market for a star midfielder to pair with the impressive play of Bruno Guimaraes, and Sporting CP’s Manuel Ugarte.

While Newcastle looks to push their team to Champions League form, signing a star this summer may be the best avenue to do so. With Sporting CP struggling to stay atop of Liga Portugal, Ugarte may want to move to a higher level of competition.

Sporting’s Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte (L) vies with Boavista’s Conakry Guinean midfielder Ibrahima Camara during the Portuguese League football match between Sporting CP and Bovista FC at Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on March 12, 2023. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)
Sporting’s Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte (L) vies with Boavista’s Conakry Guinean midfielder Ibrahima Camara during the Portuguese League football match between Sporting CP and Bovista FC at Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on March 12, 2023. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images) /

It has been recently rumored that Newcastle has ramped up its efforts in finding someone to pair with Guimaraes. While Guimaraes has been outstanding, he thrives more as an attacking midfielder, and the addition of a defensive midfielder such as Ugarte would allow him to play a much more viable role.

The team needs someone who will protect the back four and allow the rest of the midfield to operate with more freedom than they currently have.

The Uruguayan defensive midfielder has impressed with his performances against some of the higher-end Premier League clubs and he could prove to be a quality acquisition for a team like Newcastle.

While he has not found himself an assist or goal on the season, his defensive efforts are vital for a team that needs them. On the season he’s recorded 86 tackles, 44 challenges and 32 blocks.

He is also only 20 years old, meaning he still has a lot of development ahead of him. He has already shown promise as a top footballer, and his potential for growth and improvement is enormous. If he continues to progress and develop, he could become a world-class midfielder in the future.

LISBON, PORTUGAL – DECEMBER 13: Manuel Ugarte of Sporting CP during the Sporting CP v CS MarÌtimo match for the Allianz Cup at Estadio Jose Alvalade on December 13, 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL – DECEMBER 13: Manuel Ugarte of Sporting CP during the Sporting CP v CS MarÌtimo match for the Allianz Cup at Estadio Jose Alvalade on December 13, 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) /

For Newcastle United, signing a young and talented player with high potential could be a long-term investment that could yield great returns in the future.

Newcastle has been struggling with consistency and quality in midfield this season. The Magpies have also lacked creativity and depth in midfield, with the team currently relying heavily on the likes of Miguel Almiron and Joe Willock.

Bringing in a young and promising midfielder like Ugarte could provide a much-needed boost to the team’s midfield.

Read. Is Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney a perfect fit for Newcastle United?. light

Manuel Ugarte has a €60 million release clause in his contract and even though Sporting CP is trying to extend his contract, he may want to move on to a higher level of competition, and the English Premier League may be the perfect spot to have that.

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