When asked by reporters about the difficulties PSG encountered in the transfer market, Luis Enrique gave a humorous and profound answer, evoking sympathy for Man United.
“When a big club like PSG needs to buy a washing machine, instead of only spending 4 euros, it costs 400 euros. Moreover, that washing machine has to work like a 400 euro washing machine even though it is actually worth 100 times less. That is the situation we are in right now.”
The Spanish coach did not mention Manuel Ugarte, but in the current context, the Uruguayan midfielder becomes a typical example. PSG has gone through 2 transfer periods under Luis Enrique with a series of high-value contracts. However, the efficiency has not met expectations.
Manuel Ugarte is not a cheap “washing machine” when he became the most expensive midfielder in PSG history. The French capital team had to spend 60 million Euros to own the Uruguayan star. However, the board of directors decided to sell him after only 12 months.
At big clubs, the pressure of transfer fees is huge and quick adaptation is a must. When a player is not immediately considered a good fit, the two parties can part ways quickly. That is partly why PSG are willing to let Ugarte leave this summer.
Just watch PSG's first two games of the season and you can see why. Luis Enrique's side beat Le Havre and Montpellier 4-1 and 6-0, respectively. In those victories, new signing Joao Neves showed his worth. At 19, Neves had four assists in his first 68 minutes of action. Ugarte, meanwhile, had just three assists in 37 games last season. This suggests that Luis Enrique wants a different type of player in central midfield.
It cannot be said that Ugarte was a total failure for PSG. His strong tackles and fiery spirit immediately won the hearts of fans. Besides, some of the 23-year-old star's initial performances also left a strong impression.
“Manuel Ugarte is quite good. I like the way he plays, both with and without the ball. I like the way he positions himself and steals the ball. He passes well and is very strong in the duels. I give him 10/10,” Luis Enrique said after Ugarte’s Ligue 1 debut in August 2023.
However, that euphoria did not last long. Ugarte's form fluctuated. In the match against AC Milan, PSG were dominated in midfield and Ugarte only won 1/3 of his duels. The midfielder, born in 2001, admitted that his first months in France were a mixture of success and hardship.
Ugarte is a young player and has to adapt to a new environment, which makes it difficult to maintain his top form. However, there is a bigger issue that has influenced PSG's decision this summer. Throughout last season, the Parc des Princes team struggled to control the game. Luis Enrique has repeatedly made it clear that he wants his team to control the game through possession.
Manuel Ugarte has a place in that plan but Enrique wants more. The 54-year-old's previous defensive midfielders, Sergio Busquets (Barcelona) and Rodri (Spain), are both better at controlling games.
Joao Neves seems to be Enrique's preferred option. The Portuguese star is better at progressing the ball, while Ugarte is more focused on stopping opponents, according to statistics. The 2004-born talent completed an average of 6.7 progressive passes per 90 minutes last season, while Ugarte averaged 4.1. The Uruguayan is an excellent ball-winner, but is not irreplaceable at PSG.
