Ajax considering winter swoop for Manuel Ugarte

Eredivisie giants Ajax are considering a winter loan move for Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte, according to Voetbal International.​

Ugarte joined United from Paris Saint-Germain for around €50 million in 2024, but he has struggled for a consistent starting role in England.

He has started only six of United’s twenty Premier League matches this season.

While Ugarte is open to moving to Amsterdam on a temporary basis, his salary is a stumbling block given Ajax’s current wage structure.

Man United would need to continue covering a significant portion of his wages, which will require tough negotiations between the clubs.

Ugarte is contracted to United until 2029 and is also attracting interest from other clubs, including Turkish giants Galatasaray, which means Ajax will face competition if talks progress.​

Ajax are in the market for a defensive midfielder, and while Ugarte is considered a serious short-term option, they are also keeping an eye on long-term solutions.

Daley Blind is another potential addition. With Blind’s contract at Giron expiring in the summer, a winter transfer would not be expensive.

Ajax view the Dutch veteran as a cost-effective option who could contribute on the pitch and later transition into a mentoring or off-field role in Amsterdam.​

After a horrid spell between September 30 and November 25, when Ajax won just one of 10 matches across all competitions, they have won six and drawn one of their subsequent seven games.

However, they remain 16 points adrift of PSV Eindhoven in the title race.

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