Sporting director Dan Ashworth has performed wonders in a confirmed Manchester United transfer, and the club’s next significant signing is reportedly verbally agreed upon.
Upon taking full control of sporting operations at Man Utd, one of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s initial priorities was to bring in what he considered the ‘best in class’ for senior positions.
Man Utd has successfully achieved this by securing the appointments of Omar Berrada (CEO), Dan Ashworth (sporting director), and Jason Wilcox (technical director).
Ashworth is at the forefront of Man Utd’s recruitment strategy, and the former Newcastle chief has made a brilliant move with the club’s latest confirmed transaction.
The Red Devils announced the sale of overlooked winger Facundo Pellistri to Greek club Panathinaikos on Wednesday evening.
At 22 years old, Pellistri was acquired for around £9m from Penarol in 2020, but he spent a significant part of his time with United on loan.
Man Utd has incurred a loss on the player, as Fabrizio Romano revealed that Panathinaikos is paying €6m/£5.1m plus an additional €2m/£1.7m in bonuses. Nonetheless, Ashworth has effectively negotiated a crucial clause that could allow the club a substantial future windfall.
Sell-on clauses are typical in football transactions, but the level at which Ashworth has structured the clause in Pellistri’s sale is notably impressive.
According to Romano, Man Utd will receive an extraordinary 45 percent of any future transfer fee. Additionally, the club has a buy-back option that remains valid for three years until 2027.
If Pellistri realizes his potential while playing regularly in Greece, interest from other clubs is likely to arise for a player who has already been capped 26 times for Uruguay.
For instance, if Pellistri were to be sold for £20m in a future window, Man Utd would stand to gain another £9m. A sale at £30m would translate into a £13.5m return for Man Utd and so forth.
Crucial to finalizing the move was the influence of Panathinaikos manager Diego Alonso. As the former coach of the Uruguayan national team, he placed his trust in the winger at the international level, despite Pellistri’s club career stagnating in recent years.
DON’T MISS: Leeds finalize agreement for former Man Utd star as Fabrizio Romano confirms ‘here we go’
Man Utd verbalizes agreement for Manuel Ugarte transfer
In other news, Man Utd is nearing the completion of a deal to sign Manuel Ugarte from PSG as their fifth summer acquisition, following Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs De Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Joshua Zirkzee.
Personal terms have been agreed upon for a five-year deal, which includes an option for a sixth year. Ugarte has expressed a strong preference for joining Man Utd, and PSG is open to a loan arrangement with an obligation to buy.
As reported by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, a ‘verbal agreement’ has been reached between Man Utd and PSG, which is considered ‘done and sealed.’
Man Utd appears ready to meet PSG’s full asking price of €60m/£51m. It remains unclear whether the transfer will be permanent or structured as a loan, with an eventual outright transfer in 2025.
Regardless, both clubs are in the final stages of Ugarte’s transfer, and unless any unexpected issues arise, Man Utd’s fifth major summer signing will soon be finalized.
READ MORE: What Man Utd would forfeit by selling Scott McTominay: Five reasons for Ten Hag to reconsider
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Dan Ashworth’s Transfer Triumphs: Pellistri Sale and Ugarte Deal on the Horizon for Manchester United
Overview of Manchester United’s Transfer Strategy
Under the stewardship of Dan Ashworth, Manchester United is poised for a transformative transfer window. With the sale of Facundo Pellistri and a potential deal for Manuel Ugarte on the horizon, Ashworth is focusing on strategic acquisitions and sales to optimize the squad.
The Facundo Pellistri Situation
Facundo Pellistri’s time at Manchester United has been a topic of much discussion. Initially signed for his immense potential, the Uruguayan winger has struggled to break into the first team consistently. Here’s what you need to know about his situation:
Pellistri’s Performance at Manchester United
- Limited appearances: Pellistri has made only a handful of first-team appearances since joining.
- Loan spell success: His time on loan at Alavés in Spain showcased his potential, where he managed to record impressive stats.
- Potential sale: With increasing competition for places, a sale might benefit all parties involved.
Current Transfer Market Interest
Several clubs have expressed interest in Pellistri, viewing him as a player with untapped potential. Here’s a breakdown of potential suitors:
| Club | Country | Transfer Interest Level |
|---|---|---|
| Real Sociedad | Spain | High |
| Marseille | France | Medium |
| Villarreal | Spain | Low |
Manuel Ugarte: The Next Big Signing?
While Pellistri’s potential departure is being discussed, Manchester United is also eyeing the talented defensive midfielder, Manuel Ugarte from Sporting Lisbon. This young Uruguayan is touted as one of the brightest prospects in European football.
Why Ugarte Fits into United’s Plans
- Defensive Stability: Ugarte’s ability to shield the backline could provide the stability United has been longing for.
- Passing Ability: His vision and passing range can help transition play effectively, complementing attacking threats.
- Young Talent: At just 22, signing Ugarte represents a long-term investment in the squad’s future.
Current Status of the Ugarte Transfer
Negotiations for Ugarte are reportedly at an advanced stage. Here are the key aspects of the deal:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Transfer Fee | Estimated at €35 million |
| Contract Length | 5 years |
| Current Club | Sporting Lisbon |
Benefits of Dan Ashworth’s Strategic Approach
Dan Ashworth’s transfer policy is centered on a few key principles that could benefit Manchester United significantly:
1. Focus on Youth
Ashworth’s emphasis on young talent not only rejuvenates the squad but also increases resale value. By investing in players like Ugarte, the club prepares for a competitive future.
2. Financial Prudence
By potentially selling Pellistri and focusing on targeted signings, United can balance their books while upgrading the squad.
3. Tactical Flexibility
Bringing in players who fit specific tactical roles enhances the manager’s ability to implement his game plan effectively.
Case Studies of Successful Transfers
To understand Ashworth’s effectiveness, let’s look at a couple of recent successful transfers managed by him:
Case Study 1: Brighton’s Recruitment
While Ashworth was at Brighton, he successfully identified and brought in players such as:
- Leandro Trossard: Signed for a modest fee and sold for over £20 million.
- Yves Bissouma: Acquired for a fraction of his eventual sale price to Tottenham.
Case Study 2: Newcastle’s Rebuild
At Newcastle, Ashworth played a significant role in the club’s transfer strategy, which led to:
- Bruno Guimarães: A strategic signing that solidified the midfield and contributed to the team’s resurgence.
- Alexander Isak: A record signing that demonstrated a commitment to attacking talent.
Practical Tips for Fans Following Transfer News
Here are some practical tips for Manchester United fans to stay informed and engaged during the transfer window:
- Follow Reliable Sources: Check verified social media accounts and reputable sports news websites for the latest updates.
- Engage in Fan Forums: Participate in discussions about potential transfers and share insights with fellow fans.
- Be Patient: Transfers can take time, and speculation is often rampant. Focus on verified news rather than rumors.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The Manchester United fanbase has mixed feelings about the potential transfers. Here are some common sentiments:
- Excitement about Ugarte and what he could bring to the midfield.
- Concerns regarding Pellistri’s future and whether he should be given more playing time.
- Hope for a more successful transfer window compared to previous years.
Conclusion
As the transfer window unfolds, Dan Ashworth’s strategies will be crucial for Manchester United’s ambitions. The potential sale of Pellistri and the acquisition of Ugarte could signify a new era for the club, blending youthful talent with strategic experience. With a focus on smart investments and financial acumen, Manchester United fans have every reason to be optimistic about the future.
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