Manchester United open to Manuel Ugarte loan exit as Galatasaray circle

Manchester United are open to allowing Manuel Ugarte to leave on loan during the January transfer window, with an option to buy included, as Galatasaray step up their interest in the midfielder.

The development has been reported by Turkish journalist Ali Naci Küçük, who says Ugarte has emerged as a realistic target for Galatasaray as they look to strengthen their midfield options in the winter market. While several high-profile names have been discussed internally, Ugarte is viewed as one of the more attainable options at this stage.

Galatasaray are expected to be active in January and have drawn up a shortlist that includes Atalanta’s Ederson and Club Brugge midfielder Frank Onyedika. However, Küçük explains that both players are currently seen as difficult deals due to their valuation and club situations.

Ugarte, by contrast, represents a different opportunity. Although he has featured regularly for Manchester United this season, there is a growing acceptance that he could be allowed to move on if the right structure is agreed. That openness has placed him firmly on Galatasaray’s radar.

When Ugarte arrived at Old Trafford, there was an expectation he would play a central role under Ruben Amorim, given their successful spell together at Sporting CP. That scenario has not fully materialised, and while Ugarte has not been marginalised, he is no longer viewed as untouchable.

That has opened the door to a potential exit, either in January or next summer. According to Küçük, United are willing to consider a loan move with an option to buy, a structure that suits both the club and the player as they assess longer-term futures.

The loan-plus-option formula is particularly appealing to Galatasaray due to financial regulations. Küçük notes that Turkish clubs must carefully manage squad spending in line with UEFA and Turkish Football Federation guidelines, limiting first-team wage expenditure to a percentage of annual revenue.

“Both the player and Manchester United club are currently positive and open to the formula of loan with a purchase option,” Küçük explained, adding that this approach allows Galatasaray to strengthen without triggering regulatory concerns.

Crucially, Ugarte is viewed as a player capable of stepping straight into the starting XI, rather than a longer-term project.

With Galatasaray actively planning additions and Manchester United increasingly flexible, the coming weeks could be decisive. While no formal offer has yet been confirmed, Ugarte’s name is now firmly in circulation as a realistic January move rather than speculative interest.

Attention will now turn to whether Galatasaray formalise their interest with an approach to Manchester United. Much will depend on squad planning at Old Trafford and whether Amorim is comfortable allowing Ugarte to leave mid-season. If talks progress, a loan deal could develop quickly once the window opens.

Should Manchester United allow Manuel Ugarte to leave on loan in January — or does the club risk weakening midfield depth at a crucial stage of the season?