The number of midfielders Liverpool are linked with has been whittled down with the summer transfer window fast approaching and plans for next season well underway.
All attention was said to be focused on capturing Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund and it seemed as though that dream could become reality until it was revealed Jurgen Klopp wanted to spread the transfer budget across more than just the 19-year-old England international.
Bellingham now seems to be close to a move to Real Madrid while Liverpool have set their sights on Brighton & Hove Albion's Alexis Mac Allister, Chelsea's Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte from Sporting Lisbon is also reportedly desired, according to Portuguese media.
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Record in Portugal have written: "Liverpool are now frontrunners for the signature of Manuel Ugarte - having watched the player ‘intensely’ in the last few matches. With a bid expected to arrive from Liverpool this week with the agents of Manuel Ugarte."
While everyone is well aware of the types of player Mac Allister and Mount because of their Premier League exploits, little is known about combative midfielder Ugarte as Liverpool apparently circle.
The Uruguayan has been a name that has been thrown around by Liverpool fans for a number of months now as summer midfield targets were being spoken about. When news broke of Klopp's interest, the Anfield faithful was delighted.
Ugarte is much like an N'Golo Kante-type midfielder in the sense he charges about the pitch looking for attacks to break up. He has made his name across Europe as a no nonsense tackler who excels in destroying promising moments for the opposition.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of players in the same position outside Europe’s five main leagues for tackles per 90 over the past year (4.65 per game), also featuring among the top 3% for interceptions (2.13 per match) and top 10% for blocks (1.66 per game).
Liverpool's decision to scrap any move for Bellingham was one that wasn't met with great enthusiasm, but it is one that makes sense given the restricted spending power. Having neglected the position for a number of transfer windows, more than one midfield addition was needed and the trio of Mac Allister, Mount and Ugarte could push the Reds back to the summit.
The 22-year-old's relentless pursuit of opposition players would allow the more creative types in the Reds side to shine while knowing they are capably protected.
Ugarte can play in a variety of positions and has been used in a 4-2-3-1 formation used at Sporting - something that could be deployed by Klopp at times next term. The 22-year-old is talented enough to get hold of the ball in tight spaces and find a way out while setting one of his team-mates free.
Something Liverpool have lacked at times this campaign is a real engine in the middle of the park. Jordan Henderson is 33 in June while Fabinho has rarely been given a rest. The Brazilian's form has dipped drastically at times this season. The tireless Ugarte can correct this and add that much-needed needle to the middle of Klopp's side.
Forget about Bellingham, Ugarte could be the one Liverpool need in the summer.
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