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Ajax are considering a winter loan move for Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte according to Voetbal International, though the Uruguayan’s wages present a significant obstacle for the Dutch club’s current financial structure and would require United to subsidise a substantial portion of his salary.
Ajax Target January Loan Deal for Manchester United Midfielder Manuel Ugarte
Ugarte joined United from Paris Saint-Germain for around 50 million euros in 2024 but has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under current management. The defensive midfielder has started only six of United’s 20 Premier League matches this season, prompting speculation about a temporary move away from Old Trafford during the January transfer window.
While Ugarte is reportedly open to moving to Amsterdam on a temporary basis, his current salary represents a major stumbling block given Ajax’s wage structure. Manchester United would need to continue covering a significant portion of his wages, which will require extensive negotiations between the two clubs to reach an acceptable arrangement for all parties involved.
The 25-year-old midfielder faces competition for his signature from Turkish giants Galatasaray, meaning Ajax will need to move quickly if talks progress beyond the initial stages. Ugarte remains contracted to Manchester United until 2029, giving the Premier League club significant leverage in any potential loan negotiations with interested parties.
Ajax are actively seeking reinforcements in the defensive midfield position and view Ugarte as a serious short-term option while also monitoring long-term solutions. The club are simultaneously considering Dutch veteran Daley Blind, whose contract at Girona expires in the summer, as a more cost-effective alternative who could contribute both on the pitch and in a future mentoring capacity.
The Amsterdam club have recovered from a disastrous spell between September 30 and November 25 when they won just one of 10 matches across all competitions, subsequently winning six and drawing one of their following seven games. However, Ajax remain 16 points behind PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie title race, highlighting their need for January reinforcements.
