Manchester United are now being linked with a move for Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios.
Midfield is the next position Manchester United are expected to sign a player, and multiple reports have linked Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte.
While this move is still in play, another South American midfielder is being linked with a transfer to Manchester United, at a cheaper price.
According to Goal Brasil, Manchester United want to sign Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios.
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Richard Rios to Manchester United: What has been said
Goal Brasil’s report states: “The midfielder has recently received an enquiry from Manchester United and has also started to be monitored by Milan.
“The Red Devils have signaled that they are already preparing an offer of around 17 million pounds for the midfielder.”
An official offer has not yet been submitted, and the report adds, “Palmeiras, however, promise to play hard against a possible exit.”
Richard Rios: Key info
Richard Rios joined Palmeiras in March 2023 from Brazilian second division side Guarani. He has previously played for Flamengo.
Rios, 24, is a central midfielder who hails from Colombia. He has 13 international caps for his country and recently starred at the Copa America.
He has made 82 appearances for Palmeiras since joining, a high number, reflective of both his importance, and Brazilian football’s hectic schedule. He has had an unusual trajectory in his career, which has included a loan spell in Mexico.
Rios earned his first Colombia call-up last October, following his impressive form for his club.
He has scored twice, including in the Copa America quarter-finals against Panama. He was on the losing side in the final against Lisandro Martinez’s Argentina, where he played 89 minutes.
Richard Rios style of play
Richard Rios was described on the eve of the Copa America as ‘Colombia’s breakout player’.
AS report: “With his ability to maneuver the ball in tight spaces and contribute to Colombia’s defense-attack and attack-defense game transitions, the midfielder has secured his spot in coach Nestor Lorenzo’s starting XI.”
He was also praised in a CBS Sports feature reviewing the tournament, picked out as one of four standouts: “A defensive-minded midfielder with range, Richard Rios was everywhere for Colombia during Copa America.”
According to Vamo Futebol, Richard Rios made the most successful dribbles at the Copa America, with 18, six more than Lionel Messi.
Richard Rios value
Doing a deal for Richard Rios is a little complex due to his contract. According to Vamo Futebol’s report: “Palmeiras holds 70% of the Colombian’s economic rights. The remainder is divided between Guarani (16%), Flamengo (4%) and Richard himself (10%).”
There is a release clause in his contract which Palmeiras insist is above 20 million Euros. The exact figure is unclear.
Ineos may have found another gem
It was expected prior to the transfer window that Manchester United’s new investors Ineos would look closely at the South American market.
A move for Richard Rios would back this up. Colombia are one of the most in-form international teams right now, number nine in the FIFA rankings, yet many of their players do not have high market values.
Rios is a gem as he has not yet played in Europe, but has featured at a high level in Brazil, where he has won two league titles since joining Palmeiras. A £17 million price would be very reasonable on United’s part.
The Brazilian side have Rios under contract until 2026, and while they want to keep him and consider him a key player, it is unlikely they would be able to resist a tempting offer from United, or hold him back from a dream move.
Manchester United are currently in the market for a replacement for Casemiro and depth to support Kobbie Mainoo. Christian Eriksen is also expected to leave.
Rios is an energetic ball-winning midfielder who would add to United’s options. What remains unclear, is whether this is a cheaper contingency alternative to a move for Manuel Ugarte, or a case of United doubling up, and using the Colombian as an alternative to re-signing Sofyan Amrabat as a back-up.
The 24-year-old is younger than Amrabat, and still has his best years ahead of him. His transfer value could expect to soar at United.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/IQvbH82