Tottenham scouting Sporting CP star Manuel Ugarte ahead of Uruguay vs Portugal at 2022 FIFA World Cup
Tottenham Hotspur are keeping a close eye on Uruguay international and Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as per Portuguese outlet Record (h/t Football.London).
Still just 21, the Uruguayan has become an irreplaceable part of manager Ruben Amorim’s midfield. He played the full 90 minutes in the Portuguese side’s two UEFA Champions League games against us this season.
They won at home, while we secured a draw at N17. Spurs would have obviously watched Ugarte in that game, but that is not where their interest in the player stops.
They are apparently keeping an eye on him in Qatar. The former Familicao midfielder should be in the matchday squad when the Uruguayans take on Portugal later today (28 November).
What should Spurs do?
Spurs will be wise to keep an eye and pounce on the youngster if the opportunity arises – whenever that is. At 21, the central midfielder has shown incredible maturity to anchor his team’s midfield at the highest level in Portugal and European club football.
With the right guidance – not like he isn’t getting that under Amorim – he is destined to be a world-class player. He could also multiply his valuation in the future if he continues to develop at this rate.
But that isn’t why we should look to bring him in. We aren’t a selling club. Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to be in the starting XI against the Portuguese and he has been sharing the dressing room with Ugarte for a couple of weeks now.
Hopefully, he has put in a few good words about Tottenham. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Sporting play hardball when it comes to their latest asset.
More Tottenham News:
- Tottenham Hotspur ‘seriously considering’ a move for Juventus and USA midfielder Weston McKennie
- Harry Kane backed to stay at Tottenham Hotspur if they sign quality players in the near future
- Spurs Transfer News: Antonio Conte not against Tottenham defender Emerson Royal joining Inter Milan
Hopefully, Spurs personnel get the chance to watch him in action in some capacity in Portugal, however unlikely that may be. Ugarte was an unused substitute in his country’s 0-0 draw against Son Heung-min’s South Korea in the 2022 FIFA World Cup group-stage game.
