“We know that it is difficult”- Sporting CP manager comments on 22-year-old Chelsea target’s future

Ruben Amorim is certain that Chelsea target Manuel Ugarte will leave the club next season

With Chelsea and Liverpool interested in the midfielder, Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim believes it will be difficult to keep Manuel Ugarte next season.

Since joining Sporting CP from Famalicao in 2021, the 22-year-old has been fantastic, and his performance has piqued the interest of major European clubs.

And, considering the Portuguese club’s poor season, they will miss the Champions League the following year, which could be a setback for them in keeping Ugarte.

Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Paris Saint-Germain are all interested in landing the Uruguayan midfielder, with Chelsea leading the pursuit.

And Amorim is well aware that the prospects of retaining a former Famalicao player are slim (h/t Metro). Speaking to the Ojogo, the Sporting head coach said:

‘’I cannot comment on this issue because it is beyond me. Now, we know that it is difficult to keep players like Ugarte. Not just one club is interested, but several.

“Our objective is to sell, knowing that we missed the Champions League, which makes everything more difficult. I know what I want for the team, and I have already conveyed that to the management.’’

Sporting Lisbon's Uruguayan midfielder Ugarte leaves the pitch after being shown a red card against Arsenal.
Sporting Lisbon’s Uruguayan midfielder Ugarte leaves the pitch after being shown a red card against Arsenal. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

It is typical for players to want to move to major clubs where they can make their reputation. Ugarte’s ascent has been rapid, and he is interested in joining a large club where he can win trophies.

All of the clubs mentioned above provide him with that, although Liverpool and Chelsea are more accomplished, and they will almost certainly secure the Champions League in the future.

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With Mauricio Pochettino taking over as manager, Ugarte will be able to collect plenty of experience from him, which will help the midfielder in cementing himself as one of the best. The Blues, however, will have to ensure they are first in line to secure the Uruguay international’s services.