Done Deal Liverpool Has Successfully Signed PSG and Chelsea Target €100 million – Reports

Liverpool have now reportedly joined in the race to sign Chelsea and Paris Saint Germain (PSG) target Manuel Ugarte this summer.

The Sporting Lisbon defensive midfielder is currently regarded as one of the most in-demand players in Europe heading into this summer’s transfer window. His performances for Sporting this season have caught the eyes of top European clubs, who are keen on signing a holding midfielder.

The Uruguayan is very much a traditional holding midfielder, who is very good at protecting the defense line as well as winning tackles and possession for the team.

Ugarte also has a sizable release clause with Sporting Lisbon, one which most clubs would consider a bargain in today’s inflated transfer market.

A fee in the region of €60 million is reportedly what it takes to sign a capable Sporting Lisbon defensive midfielder this summer.

Meanwhile, it was expected that the duo of Chelsea and PSG were the frontrunners for Ugarte’s signature as both teams have shown commitments to meeting his release clause.

However, it is now said to be a three-horse race for the Uruguayan’s signature as Liverpool have also reportedly indicated interest in signing the 22-year-old.

Ugarte has so far made a combined total of 43 appearances across all competitions for Sporting Lisbon this season.

What are Manuel Ugarte’s chances at Liverpool, PSG, and Chelsea?

Ugarte against Tottenham Hotspur: Group D – UEFA Champions League

Ahead of a proposed exit from Sporting Lisbon this summer, it will be interesting to see which club the Uruguayan international will sign for this summer.

As it stands, the trio of Liverpool, Chelsea, and PSG are fighting to sign the 22-year-old holding midfielder, having indicated an interest in meeting his €60 million release clause.

All three clubs are currently tipped to revamp their midfield this summer and Ugarte could be a huge addition to either side.

Premier League club Liverpool is expected to lose two first-team midfielders this summer on free transfers. The duo of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita will leave the club when their current contracts expire this summer.

As such, it is greatly expected that Liverpool would be in dire need of quality replacements. However, for the holding midfield position which Ugarte excels in, he would need to contend with the experienced Fabinho for a starting position.

At PSG, Ugarte could still have a couple of players to contend with in midfield. However, the French club would be offering him the chance of playing in the Champions League next season.

Chelsea, on the other hand, are another club keen on addressing their midfield situation this summer. As it stands, Ugarte could easily nail down a starting spot at the base of the Blues’ midfield next season as they currently don’t have a recognized holding midfielder.

His arrival could also give more room for Enzo Fernandez to operate higher up the pitch, while he, Ugarte, would be saddled with the defensive responsibilities.

Edited by Akshay Saraswat

Liverpool have little to play for in their Premier League finale against rock-bottom Southampton as they get ready to wave goodbye to four long-serving players on Sunday afternoon.

With their summer departures already confirmed, vice captain James Milner and ever-popular Brazil striker Roberto Firmino may appear one last time for Jurgen Klopp before moving on next season, while Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also on their way.

Here’s what the pundits expect will happen at St. Mary’s Stadium…

Paul Merson – Sportskeeda

Liverpool will destroy Southampton to finish their season on a positive note, I’m going for a 4-0 win for the away side. On a hot summer’s day down at St Mary’s Stadium against a relegated team, they will finish on a blast.

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Mohamed Salah loves scoring goals and I expect him to play a big role for Jurgen Klopp’s side as the Reds say their farewells to the likes of Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Firmino is an unbelievable player, and I would like to think he’s a legend of the Jurgen Klopp era at Liverpool. Salah and Sadio Mane produced the numbers season after season, but Firmino knitted it all together. I couldn’t talk highly enough of the man – Liverpool wouldn’t have been as good as they were if it wasn’t for him.

Score prediction: Southampton 0-4 Liverpool

Chris Sutton – BBC Sport

Southampton don’t have many fond memories to look back on this season, especially at home, where they have won twice during the entire campaign. They will be playing for pride, but that won’t be enough against a Liverpool side who have built up a bit of momentum in recent weeks.

It’s been a difficult campaign for Klopp’s side, too, while missing out on the Champions League is a disappointment for them, but at least they will finish off on a bit of a high note. I’m expecting Mohamed Salah to score and Liverpool to win.

Score prediction: Southampton 0-2 Liverpool

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Mark Lawrenson – Paddy Power

Liverpool will win this easily. Southampton are in disarray.

Score prediction: Southampton 0-2 Liverpool

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