Manfred Ugalde (foto: Getty Images)
Costa Rican striker Manfred Ugalde, with 15 goals in 18 Russian Premier League matches, is attracting interest from Aston Villa and Manchester City. His €30 million release clause is in play.
Manfred Ugalde, a 22-year-old Costa Rican striker, has been making waves in the Russian Premier League this season. Playing for Spartak Moscow, Ugalde has scored an impressive 15 goals in 18 games, along with three assists. His explosive form has caught the attention of Aston Villa and Manchester City, with his €30 million release clause now a hot topic of discussion.
Ugalde’s journey to Europe began in 2020, when he left Costa Rican side Saprissa to join Lommel SK, part of the City Football Group network. After two years in Belgium, he moved to Twente in the Netherlands for €4 million. But it was in January of this year that his career truly took off, as he joined Spartak Moscow for €13 million.
In just under a year in Russia, Ugalde has become one of the most prolific strikers in the league, showcasing his finishing ability, movement, and composure in front of goal.
Ugalde’s performances have not gone unnoticed. Aston Villa, known for their success in nurturing young attacking talent like Jhon Durán, is reportedly monitoring his situation. The 20-year-old Durán has already scored 12 goals this season in limited minutes, and Villa could see Ugalde as another potential star in their attacking ranks.
Additionally, Manchester City is familiar with Ugalde, given his ties to their City Football Group network. While City has not yet made a formal move, their interest in young, promising strikers could make them a serious contender for his signature.
Ugalde’s contract with Spartak Moscow includes a €30 million release clause, making him an attainable target for Premier League clubs looking to bolster their attacking options in January. Given his rapid rise and consistent form, it seems unlikely that Spartak will hold onto him much longer if he continues to perform at this level.