Valery Gladilin, a former Spartak Moscow midfielder, commented that Manfred Ugalde was not yet ready for a move to Paris Saint-Germain. He noted that joining a club of PSG’s caliber presents a demanding challenge and requires further development. Gladilin observed that Ugalde is progressing well at Spartak and would benefit from continued growth with the club before considering such a high-profile transfer.
Reports circulated that PSG had shown interest in the young forward, suggesting the French giant was eyeing him for the near future. Gladilin acknowledged the chatter, but he argued that a step to a team of PSG’s standing is not an easy transition. He stressed the importance of adapting to a tougher league, different expectations, and the immense pressure that comes with playing for a club of PSG’s prestige.
Ugalde arrived at Spartak a year ago. In the latter part of the previous season, he went without a goal in 12 Russian Premier League appearances and Spartak were eliminated by Zenit St. Petersburg in the Russian Cup. He did, however, score in a later meeting with Zenit. The arrival of Dejan Stankovic as head coach coincided with a revival in his form. In the first half of the current season he surged to 15 goals and added 2 assists in 18 league matches, cementing himself among the league’s top scorers. During the November–December window, fans and analysts widely regarded him as one of the league’s standout performers.
Ugalde’s contract with Spartak runs through the summer of 2028. According to Transfermarkt, his market value is listed at 15 million euros, reflecting his status as a valuable asset in the club’s attacking lineup. (Transfermarkt)
Beyond individual performances, the club has signaled that a specific position will be strengthened to boost Spartak’s competitive edge. The emphasis on reinforcing the squad aligns with Spartak’s ongoing efforts to remain at the forefront of Russian football and to compete more effectively on the European stage.