Turkish Super Lig champions are reportedly closing in on signing 24-year-old Uruguayan international Manuel Ugarte on loan from Manchester United in January.

According to a report by Turkish outlet Fotomac, Manuel Ugarte is the subject of interest from Galatasaray. The Turkish Super Lig champions are keen on bolstering their first-team squad by signing a holding midfielder in the winter transfer window. So, the 24-year-old Manchester United midfielder has emerged as a target for Cimbom.

Talks to sign the South American midfielder from Manchester United have progressed, and an agreement is close. Ugarte is ready to join Galatasaray in the winter transfer window, and they will likely complete a loan move if they secure a deal. However, the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is a backup target for the Turkish giants, and they have three other players on their wishlist.

How has Manuel Ugarte fared at Manchester United?

Manuel Ugarte has struggled to make his mark since joining Manchester United from Galatasaray in a deal worth £42 million in July 2024. The 24-year-old was already a divisive figure when he arrived at Old Trafford 18 months ago, and he has not done much to win over his detractors.

The Uruguayan international has gradually dropped in stature at Manchester United, and he has managed only 597 minutes of game time across 14 appearances in all competitions this term. However, Ugarte’s stock remains high, with several well-known clubs setting their sights on him. Galatasaray will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature this month.

Turkish adventure awaits?

Galatasaray’s interest in Manuel Ugarte is understandable. The Turkish Super Lig champions have been scouring the market for a holding midfielder heading into the winter transfer window, as Okan Buruk wants more options in the middle of the park for the second half of the 2025/26 season.

Several candidates, including Ruben Neves and Raphael Onyedika, have thus emerged on Galatasaray’s radar, with Ugarte also a viable target. The latest report has revealed that the former PSG midfielder is a contingency option for the Turkish Super Lig champions.

However, talks with Manchester United have progressed well, and a loan deal is possible. An agreement is close, with the 24-year-old Uruguayan international ready to join Cimbom. With Manchester United willing to part ways with Ugarte this month, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for him.