Players on the move: Join Razeen Gutta for a weekly roundup of all the biggest transfer deals around South Africa and Europe.
Manchester United have completed the signing of Manuel Ugarte from PSG. Meanwhile, former Mamelodi Sundowns man Abdelmounaim Boutouil has agreed to reunite with Rulani Mokwena. Here’s the latest.
Europe
Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte has arrived in Manchester for his Red Devils medical. According to multiple reports, a fee in the region of £42-million (± R85-million) has been agreed upon.
The 23-year-old has the most tackles and interceptions in Europe since 2022-23 and has been United’s top midfield target this season.
As for the Red Devils’ rivals, Liverpool, who they will face off with at Old Trafford on Sunday, there is finally some business to mention.
Arne Slot’s side is the only team in the league yet to have made a signing this season, and it appears that is about to change.
Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has signed a six-year deal with Liverpool, pending an announcement. The shot-stopper is set to stay on loan in Spain for one more year before arriving at Anfield in July 2025.
With just days of the transfer window remaining, the Reds have left it late. With Federico Chiesa reportedly on their radar, they could well have more on their agenda before the final day.
Liverpool has approached the Fiorentina winger, but with Barcelona also showing interest, it remains to be seen where the Italian will end up.
Staying in the Premier League, Crystal Palace confirmed Eddie Nketiah’s signing from Arsenal. The forward moved for a fee in the region of £25-million (± R500-million).
Over at Bournemouth, the Cherries have signed Kepa on loan from Chelsea. The goalkeeper recently extended his Blues contract until 2026 and has now reached a verbal agreement for a one-year spell at the Vitality.
South Africa
In local news, Moroccan defender Abdelmounaim Boutouil — who recently departed Masandawana — is closing in on a move to Wydad.
Should the deal go through, the 26-year-old could reunite with former manager Mokwena. Popular website Transfermarkt reports that the player will join on a three-year deal.
According to Soccer Laduma, Kaizer Chiefs are keen on signing Stellenbosch defender Fawaaz Basadien. The Soweto Giants have already had a bid rejected, with the Western Cape side valuing their left back higher than what Amakhosi have offered.
Pictured above: Manuel Ugarte.
Source: @statmandave
