Sporting’s discontentment with the rumours linking Manuel Ugarte to Liverpool is now public.
The subject was today brought into Ruben Amorim’s press conference (via Mais Futebol), with the manager being quizzed about the recent quotes from the player’s agent.
“Obviously, Ugarte is very important, he was built, he came and we already knew that he was a preparation for Palhinha and it was done calmly. Now, let’s see,” said Amorim.
“The agent has already said that he could leave, maybe he already has €60m guaranteed (laughs). I do not know, let’s see. That’s up to the president and Hugo Viana.”
Earlier this week, agent Jorge Chijane was maybe too open about the rumour. The representative confirmed Liverpool’s interest in the player, claimed it’s ‘almost certain’ the midfielder will leave Sporting this summer, and even said the departure could be sorted in the next couple of weeks.
That’s why it’s no surprise to see the Lions being angry about the situation. On Friday morning, newspaper Correio da Manhã wrote that the Lisbon side are blocking talks for Ugarte’s departure, and threatening the Reds with UEFA sanctions for harassing a player in the middle of the season.
Now Amorim’s annoyance confirms that Sporting are not pleased with those comments. And with the Lions making this battle public, it does make sense that they won’t negotiate for his transfer this summer and only let him go in case the €60m release clause is triggered by Liverpool.
