Galatasaray Shift Focus to Man United’s Ugarte After Onyedika, Ederson Transfer Setbacks

Galatasaray’s plans to strengthen their midfield in the January transfer window have suffered a setback following complications in negotiations for Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika and Atalanta’s Ederson.

According to respected Galatasaray reporter Serhan Türk, the Turkish Super Lig champions have now redirected their attention to Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte after being priced out of moves for both Onyedika and Ederson.

Speaking on A Spor, Türk revealed that the financial demands from Club Brugge and Atalanta proved too steep for the Istanbul giants.

“High transfer fees are being demanded for Onyedika and Ederson. Loan offers are not being considered for either player; a direct transfer fee is being requested. That is why Galatasaray has currently turned to Ugarte,” Türk said via Habersarikirmizi.

Both Onyedika and Ederson had been strongly linked with a move to Galatasaray as the club sought to reinforce its squad for the second half of the season and maintain its domestic dominance while pushing for European success.

Opinion: Galatasaray’s pivot away from Onyedika and Ederson highlights a growing reality in the transfer market — top-performing midfielders now command premium fees, even for clubs with strong continental pedigree. While Onyedika and Ederson would have offered long-term stability and energy, their clubs’ insistence on permanent transfers reflects how highly they are valued.

Turning to Manuel Ugarte could prove a smart alternative. The Uruguayan brings Champions League experience and a different tactical profile, potentially available on more flexible terms given his situation at Manchester United. However, Ugarte’s form and adaptation to English football have been mixed, raising questions about whether Galatasaray are prioritising availability over long-term fit.

Ultimately, the move underlines Galatasaray’s pragmatic approach — balancing ambition with financial discipline. Whether this strategy delivers immediate impact or merely a short-term solution will depend on how decisively the club moves before the window closes.