Man Utd's missed opportunity: Ugarte upgrade completes shock transfer

Tom Weber

• Updated: 26 Aug 2024 17:18 BST
• 8 min read

Arthur Vermeeren has ended his Atletico Madrid nightmare.

The Belgian midfielder turned up in Spain's capital as one of Europe's biggest talents in January. Just seven months on, however, has departed the club again - and potentially for good.

Atletico had paid €18 million for the youngster and beat off competition from the likes of Arsenal and Man Utd, but Diego Simeone rarely utilised Vermeeren last season. To date, the 19-year-old has only made five appearances for the LaLiga giants and he may have already played his final game.

READ MORE: Why Man Utd are the winners of the summer transfer window

The wonderkid has officially joined RB Leipzig in what appears to be another big coup for the Red Bulls. After landing Xavi Simons for another season and signing ex-Chelsea target Antonio Nusa, Leipzig have secured Vermeeren on loan with a purchase option that will become an obligation if certain 'easy-to-reach' criteria are met.

Vermeeren - a better Ugarte?

Though the Belgian has had a tough time since January, his talent is undeniable. There is a good reason why Vermeeren was pursued by some of Europe's biggest sides after starring for Royal Antwerp as an 18-year-old.

If the teenager can rediscover his Antwerp form in the Bundesliga, he will be considered a big opportunity missed by his previous suitors, chief among them Man Utd.

The Red Devils are desperately trying to secure a defensive midfielder and are in talks with PSG over Manuel Ugarte. While good progress has been made, we understand that they are facing an anxious wait to complete the move before Deadline Day.

If the Red Devils manage to secure Ugarte, he won't come cheap. His initial loan deal would become permanent in the summer with PSG expecting to recoup their €60m outlay.

Given that Vermeeren has moved to Leipzig and only cost Atletico €18m, one can deduce that he would have been a much, much cheaper option than Ugarte. Official numbers have not yet been disclosed but it is unlikely that the Red Bulls will have to pay more than €35m.

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What's more, Vermeeren would potentially have been a better option. The Belgian plays a similar role to Ugarte but is a much more well-rounded player than the Uruguayan.

Whereas Ugarte is a fairly one-dimensional destroyer, Vermeeren is actually capable of providing upside in possession in addition to winning back the ball.

According to data analytics firm SciSports, Vermeeren is a significantly better player than Ugarte was at his age and the 19-year-old has a higher potential. Ugarte, however, is probably the safer option to immediately slot into the team at 23.

Nevertheless, Vermeeren could soon be viewed as a chance spurned by Man Utd and other clubs.