Manchester United have expressed an interest in Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios.
Richard Rios is the surprise new name on Manchester United’s radar, according to a report via Goal Brasil.
United are claimed to have lodged an interest in Richard Rios, although no bid has yet been submitted for the Colombian midfielder.
Rios impressed for his country at the Copa America, where he emerged as a regular starter for the runners-up, losing to
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Richard Rios at Palmeiras
Richard Rios began his career with Flamengo, had a loan spell in Mexico, and then signed with second-tier side Guarani. He then landed a move to Palmeiras in early 2023, and has won two league titles.
Palmeiras do not want to lose a player who has played more than 80 games for the club since his arrival, who is considered important to their team.
The 24-year-old is a rising star, one who Palmeiras could make a big profit on, having signed him for just £1 million.
United In Focus spoke to Brazilian football expert Rogerio Amaral, who has been covering the news for Vamo Futebol.
He explained: “He played Futsal for a long time, only switching to professional football at the age of 18. This makes him very skilled in short spaces.
“Richard Rios is a player who acts as a second midfielder, as a number eight normally does.
“He is a comfortable dribbler, but he usually only uses it when the opponent puts pressure on him.
“He plays in a slightly more advanced position than Casemiro. But he also has a lot of strength in the defensive third.
“Aside from dribbling, his strengths are speed in decision-making, good passing, and intensity without the ball.
“Another strong point of his is his consistency, he rarely plays bad games.”
Elite dribbler
Richard Rios completed more dribbles than any player at Euro 2024 or the Copa America, with 18 in total, that’s more than Belgium’s Jeremy Doku.
Colombia did play more matches than Belgium, reaching the final of the Copa America, but it is impressive regardless.
This is a useful facet of Rios’ game which could be very handy to help Erik ten Hag’s side progress up the pitch while retaining possession.
At a potential price of £20 million or slightly less, Rios would be an intriguing signing for Manchester United.
He is a unique player with an interesting background due to his start in Futsal, a Colombian who has spent the most of his career playing in Brazil, yet to make the move to Europe.
Now an international regular at the age of 24, United would be buying Rios at the right time, and adding some more talent and energy around Kobbie Mainoo.