Manuel Ugarte is thriving with Sporting and Wolves must keep tabs

Wolves could lose a number of midfielders this summer – and Manuel Ugarte is someone the club will need to keep an eye on.

Ruben Neves is enjoying another wonderful campaign. But there’s a very good chance it could be his last.

He was due to leave last summer but ultimately there were no suitable offers. He stayed where he was and took over the captaincy.

Despite Julen Lopetegui changing the landscape at the club, it would still be a real surprise if Neves stayed on for another season. Especially since he has one year left on his contract this summer.

Joao Moutinho could also leave. He’s out of contract and at the age of 36, Wolves may feel it’s time to finally replace the veteran.

And Matheus Nunes is reportedly on the radar of clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea. Hopefully he doesn’t go but the prospect of a quick win could keep Wolves busy.

Any combination of this trio could work and it is therefore very likely that Wolves will be in the market for new midfielders this summer.

And one man they should get their hands on is Sporting CP’s Manuel Ugarte.

Wolves were linked with him during the January transfer window. Nothing happened but the club should keep an eye on him.

The Uruguay international has been a revelation for the Portuguese side since Nunes left for Wolves.

In the recent 2-1 defeat against FC Porto, Ugarte impressed with 41/47 passes (87%, SofaScore). He also made three interceptions and two tackles and won 5/8 duels.

Against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League he completed 66/73 passes (90%), won 8/11 tackles and made two interceptions and five tackles.

He’s a defensive player with a fantastic passing range, potentially making him a good replacement for Neves.

He’s a midfield workhorse, with the technical quality to boot.

Wolves just have to keep an eye on Sporting midfielder Manuel Ugarte

Wolves and Sporting have a good relationship after the deal for Nunes.

And the club should definitely try to do business with them again this summer via Ugarte.

The star is still only 21 and has great potential. He’s already looking very successful and seems to be a really good fit for Molineux. As a Spanish speaker playing in Portugal, it’s likely his transition at Molineux would be pretty smooth.

He is said to have a £54million release clause which could be a little problematic.

But Wolves have had some great deals lately and officials might think there’s a chance of getting him for a lower fee. Especially since this relationship is after the Nunes deal.