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Galatasaray have stepped up efforts to strengthen their midfield during the winter transfer window by targeting Manchester United defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte, a player who joined the English club for €50 million (approximately $59 million) last summer.
The Istanbul-based club are pursuing a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer, as financial regulations limit their spending flexibility.
After investing heavily at the start of the season in high-profile signings such as Victor Osimhen, Wilfried Singo and Turkish international goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, Galatasaray are now operating under UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations.
The so-called 70% squad cost ratio, which restricts clubs from spending beyond a set proportion of their revenue, has pushed the club to rely on short-term loan solutions. Within this framework, Ugarte has emerged as the primary midfield target for January.
Ugarte, a 24-year-old Uruguay international known for his ball-winning role as a defensive midfielder, moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester United in the summer of 2024 for €50 million (approximately $59 million).
However, his time in the Premier League has not unfolded as expected. He has featured in only 11 matches across competitions this season and has not contributed with goals or assists, leading to reports of dissatisfaction with his role at the club.
Galatasaray management is leaning on familiar faces to help move the deal forward. Team captain Fernando Muslera and midfielder Lucas Torreira, both long-standing figures in the Uruguay national setup, have been involved in talks aimed at convincing Ugarte to take up a six-month loan in Istanbul.
Sources indicate that the player is open to the idea of joining Galatasaray, seeing the move as a chance to regain form and playing time.
Alongside the Ugarte negotiations, Galatasaray is also preparing for potential departures. The club is planning to part ways with Berkan Kutlu and has identified Hoffenheim midfielder Umut Tohumcu as another option.
Tohumcu is being considered on a loan deal that would include a purchase option, allowing Galatasaray to keep longer-term flexibility while reshaping the squad.
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