Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte has confirmed his transfer to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a superb campaign for the Primeira Liga club, shining domestically and in Europe.
His performances attracted the interest of suitors, including Premier League club Chelsea.
The Blues have lacked a defensive midfielder since the departure of Nemanja Matic in 2017.
They were pushing to sign Ugarte, but they pulled out of the deal. This allowed Les Parisiens to snap him up.
Chelsea looked willing to pay his release clause, and there were even mentions of a significant investment into Sporting, but the player has moved to France instead.
After watching his national team Uruguay defeat Nicaragua in Marcelo Bielsa’s first game in charge, Ugarte confirmed the deal.
In an interview with Record, he said: “The truth is that now I have to rest a bit before starting with PSG.
“I am going to a massive club – it still has not really sunk in yet, but I am going to try and get started with everything.”
Ugarte expressed regret that he would not play alongside seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
The Argentine attacker left PSG this summer after only two years at the Parc des Princes.
“It is true that Messi is leaving,” he added. “It would have been great to play with him, but that is the way football goes. But I am very happy.”
PSG have been proactive in the transfer window. Sporting director Luis Campos wants to restructure the squad for the next manager.
PSG have added Ugarte, Marco Asensio and Milan Skriniar, while Lee Kang-in will join them soon.
They are also pushing to sign Bayern Munich centre-back Lucas Hernandez.
However, they must sell some fringe options such as Fabian Ruiz and Carlos Soler.
PSG may also sell star men Kylian Mbappe and Neymar as they revamp their squad.
