Man United set sights on £17m ‘next James Rodriguez’ but facing big issues….”Why Manchester United did not sign Richard Rios this summer
Richard Rios, the 24-year-old Colombian midfielder currently playing for Palmeiras, has captured the attention of several top European football clubs, thanks to his outstanding performances in the 2024 Copa America. Both Manchester United and AC Milan are keenly watching Rios, with reports indicating that Manchester United is preparing to submit a bid of approximately £17 million in hopes of securing the talented player .
Rios’ exceptional performances for Colombia, where he developed a strong midfield partnership with James Rodriguez, have notably increased his market value. Palmeiras had previously been open to transferring Rios for around €20 million. However, his value has since surged to around €30 million, influenced by a release clause in his contract that is set at €60 million .
Despite this interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, Palmeiras isn’t in a position where they must sell Rios, as they have already bolstered their finances through recent player sales. Nonetheless, a substantial offer might tempt the Brazilian club to reconsider their stance on Rios’ future .
It remains uncertain whether Manchester United will finalize their interest with a formal offer or if AC Milan will intensify their pursuit of Rios in the upcoming weeks.
**Man United Eye £17m Colombian Star but Face Competition from Chelsea and Real Madrid**
Manchester United is reportedly eyeing Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios as a potential signing this summer, according to sources from Brazilian media.
The Red Devils are actively searching for a new midfielder after already spending £94 million on striker Joshua Zirkzee and defender Leny Yoro. While Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte is also on their radar, his hefty £59 million price tag has led United to explore more affordable alternatives.
One such alternative is Benfica’s 19-year-old rising star Joao Neves, who could be signed for a sum less than his £101 million release clause. However, United’s scouting network has extended its search far and wide, leading them to Rios after his eye-catching performances in the Copa America.
Rios was instrumental in helping Colombia reach the final of South America’s premier tournament, where they narrowly lost to Argentina. His standout moment came in Colombia’s dominant 5-0 victory over Panama, where he formed a formidable midfield duo with James Rodriguez under the guidance of coach Nestor Lorenzo.
According to *Goal Brazil*, Manchester United has already approached Palmeiras to inquire about Rios’ availability, with AC Milan also showing interest. Manager Erik ten Hag’s side is reportedly preparing a £17 million offer for Rios, but as noted by *The Mirror*, this bid might not be sufficient to persuade Palmeiras to part with the midfielder.
Palmeiras is not in a rush to offload Rios, having already secured significant funds through recent player transfers. The club sold Endrick to Real Madrid for a potential total of €72 million (£60 million) and agreed on deals with Chelsea for Estevao Willian and West Ham for Luis Guilherme.
Chelsea is expected to bring in the 17-year-old Willian next summer in a deal that could reach £51 million, while West Ham has secured Guilherme on a five-year contract worth £25.5 million, with the young talent set to join Julen Lopetegui’s squad this season.
Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira commented on the club’s transfer policy following these lucrative sales, stating: “We have already earned substantial revenue from sales. Now, our focus must shift to finding suitable on-field replacements.”
Echoing Ferreira’s sentiment, a club insider told *Goal*: “The club is not looking to negotiate Rios’ departure during this transfer window. It’s normal for interested clubs to make inquiries, but our position on the matter is firm.”
