PSG Plot ‘Cash In’ Strategy to Offload AC Milan, Man Utd Target, Expert Says

Manuel Ugarte began his first season with Paris Saint-Germain on a strong note, making a great impression early on. However, as the season progressed, he began to fall down the ranks, with his playing time mostly limited to coming off the bench or being part of the rotation.

In recent weeks, Ugarte’s name has been mentioned in connection with Italian clubs such as AC Milan and Juventus. However, the interest in him isn’t limited to Serie A.

According to Loïc Tanzi from L’Equipe, PSG has rejected Manchester United’s initial bid for Ugarte, deeming it too low. Many will ask themselves why the capital club would be willing to sell the player after one season.

CBS Sports reporter Jonathan Johnson spoke with PSG Talk, and he explained why PSG are willing to move off from Ugarte this summer.

“The obvious reason why PSG might be willing to consider parting ways with Ugarte is just that he’s not quite a regular; he’s nowhere near a regular under Luis Enrique,” Johnson said. “And very clearly, the profile that he has is not really the profile that Luis Enrique is looking for in terms of midfield options, even in terms of depth.

“And I think that’s probably the biggest consideration. You know, it leaves PSG in a situation now where they can potentially cash in and earn back some of the money that they spent on him at this moment in time, especially with a Copa America where he can show what he’s all about for Uruguay.

“But if he was to start next season and the game be sort of on the fringes and not really featuring, then that really would start to tank his value. So I can understand why PSG are open to it now, especially as, you know, Luis Enrique seems to have made it quite clear that he’s not really going to be counting on that kind of profile of player.”

Last month, the 23-year-old spoke about his future amid the ongoing rumors and noted his desire to stay.

“We’ll see,” Ugarte told Amazon Prime. “I would love to [stay at PSG]. We’ll have to see. For now, I’m here and enjoying the end of the season.”