Manuel Ugarte of Sporting CP remains on Chelsea’s radar based on their list of defensive midfielders for next season. Even though they are in competition with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Parisians are heavily interested in bringing the 22-year-old Uruguayan to PSG. Therefore, the two teams are hell-bent on getting the player’s signature.
However, the West London club have finally ended their 2022-2023 campaign. Despite the fact that they were awful in all competitions this season.
Chelsea won’t be able to participate in any European competitions next season. But they will be in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.
Obviously, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali must have learned their lessons this season. Because they seemed to get everything wrong, starting with sacking Thomas Tuchel.
Despite the fact that Frank Lampard was appointed as a caretaker manager to calm the tension in the dressing room. The English gaffer failed.
The Blues failed to keep a clean sheet under the former Everton manager. The 2022-2023 season was actually a disaster for the West London club.
Chelsea stats in the Premier League this season
38 games
44 points earned
12th place in the league table
11 wins
11 draws
16 defeats
38 goals scored
47 goals conceded
-9 goals difference
Chelsea players with most appearances this campaign
- Kai Havertz – 47
- Conor Gallagher – 45
- Kepa Arrizabalaga – 39
- Raheem Sterling – 38
- Mateo Kovacic – 37
- Mason Mount – 35
- Thiago Silva – 35
- Marc Cucurella – 33
- Trevoh Chalobah – 33
- Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 33
- Kalidou Koulibaly – 32
- César Azpilicueta – 32
- Ben Chilwell – 30
- Christian Pulisic – 30
- Jorginho – 25
- Hakim Ziyech – 24
- Reece James – 24
- Enzo Fernández – 22
Chelsea top scorers this season in all competitions
- Kai Havertz – 9
- Raheem Sterling – 9
- Joao Felix – 4
- Conor Gallagher – 3
- Mason Mount – 3
- Jorginho – 3
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 3
- Mateo Kovacic – 2
- Kalidou Koulibaly – 2
- Ben Chilwell – 2
- Reece James – 2
- Wesley Fofana – 2
- Christian Pulisic – 1
- Denis Zakaria – 1
- Armando Broja – 1
- Benoît Badiashile – 1
- Noni Madueke – 1
Apparently, the West London club pulled off awful performances in all competitions this season. Nevertheless, they are expected to bounce back in 2023–2024.
Reportedly, Mauricio Pochettino has already signed his contract as Chelsea’s new head coach. And he will start his managerial job at Stamford Bridge as soon as possible.
Despite the fact that the club hasn’t officially announced his arrival. The Argentine gaffer has already become the Blues new manager ahead of next season.
According to several reports, Mauricio Pochettino has personally asked Chelsea for Manuel Ugarte. Because he wants to have the Uruguayan youngster in his squad.
Even though Paris Saint-Germain are still hell-bent on signing the Uruguayan international. The player reportedly wants to play in the Premier League.
As a result, he’s most likely to arrive at Stamford Bridge as their first summer signing. And he’s an ideal partner for Enzo Fernández.
The West London club have many midfielders on their radar. They have the likes of Moisés Caicedo, Declan Rice, and others.
They obviously want two types of No.6 midfielders next season. Mauricio Pochettino wants both a ball-playing No.6 and a defensive-minded No.6.
Profile-wise, Manuel Ugarte ideally fits the defensive minded No.6 position. That’s why the Argentine manager wants him at Chelsea in the summer.
With all that being said, the Uruguay international is expected to join Chelsea for a fee of €65 million and a 6-year contract with the West London club.
Meanwhile, as Blues fans, there are many facts to know about Manuel Ugarte. Of course, he’s indeed a brilliant and talented defensive midfielder.
With Chelsea wanting to replace N’Golo Kante and find an ideal partner for Enzo Fernández. There are some interesting facts about the Uruguayan youngster.
What are the amazing facts about Manuel Ugarte?
1. His full name is Manuel Ugarte Ribeiro, and he was born on April 11, 2001, in Montevideo, Uruguay.
2. Despite being a defensive midfielder. He’s just 22-year-old, making him very compatible with Enzo Fernández.
3. Manuel started his professional football career at Centro Atlético Fénix, a football club in Montevideo, Uruguay.
4. Surprisingly, he made his professional debut at the age of 15. And he became the youngest ever player to play in the Uruguayan top-flight in the 21st century.
5. At the age of 18, he captained the Centro Atlético Fénix senior team, making 53 appearances. Before he left the football club in 2021.
6. The Uruguay international started his football career as a striker. Before being moved to the midfield, becoming a defensive midfielder.
7. Manuel was literally the main reason why João Palhinha left Sporting CP to join Fulham in the Premier League. He couldn’t bench the 22-year-old Uruguayan when he came back from injury.
8. Ugarte played as a defensive midfielder at Centro Atlético Fénix. However, he played as a central midfielder at Famalicão.
9. Profile-wise, he played as a defensive midfielder under the 3-at-the-back and 4-at-the-back formations.
European competitions
10. He single-handedly outplayed Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Granit Xhaka in the UEFA Europa League.
11. Despite the fact that he picked up a red card against Arsenal. He helped Sporting CP eliminate the Gunners from the competition.
12. His most preferred setup is 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-3. Which are actually Mauricio Pochettino’s formations.
13. As a defensive midfielder, Manuel has 92% pass accuracy, with 0.5 key passes per 90 minutes.
14. He averages 1.8 interceptions and 3.9 tackles per month for Sporting CP in their league this campaign.
15. The 22-year-old Uruguayan has the most tackles won (29) in the UEFA Champions League this season.
16. Also, he has the most tackles won (121) in Liga Portugal for Sporting CP in the 2022-2023 campaign.
17. Amazingly, Manuel has the most duels won (232) in their league for Sporting CP this season.
18. He’s both a ball-playing and defensive minded midfielder. Which makes him a perfect partner for Enzo Fernández.
19. Speaking of his defensive prowess, he has many things in common with Nemanja Matić.
20. Unlike other defensive midfielders. Manuel is very poor at competing for the ball in the air. Averaging 0.6 aerial duels per 90 minutes.