Manchester United Accelerates Pursuit of Richard Ríos
Manchester United’s midfield rebuild gained fresh momentum this summer, as the club intensifies its pursuit of 24‑year‑old Colombian midfielder Richard Ríos from Palmeiras. Once considered a long shot, Ríos has surged to the top of United’s shortlist thanks to a mix of flair, athleticism, and affordability.
Early Links and Renewed Interest
United’s interest in Ríos dates back to the 2024 summer window, when agent Sabatino Durante revealed Old Trafford enquired about the former Guarani standout following his successful Copa America campaign with Colombia . 756-0Despite the interest, Ríos remained in Brazil due to Palmeiras’s steep €100 million (£84 million) release clause .
903-0However, developments on the ground suggest that figure may not be untouchable. Earlier reports claimed Palmeiras could accept offers around £16–20 million—a figure United reportedly found attractive as a cost-effective alternative to midfield target Ederson (Atalanta) or Manuel Ugarte (PSG) . 1231-0Indeed, Goal’s Valentin Furlan noted United “have enquired” and are preparing a £17 million bid, although Palmeiras might resist selling mid‑season .
Why Ríos Makes Sense for United
Ríos brings a distinctive skill set that aligns neatly with Erik ten Hag’s evolving midfield blueprint:
1413-1Dynamic Versatility: Capable of playing as a number 6 or 8, Ríos is equally comfortable breaking up play, driving transitions, and threading passes. His performance at the 2024 Copa América earned high praise, including being described as a “freak athlete” with surprising mobility for a 6’2″ midfielder .
1892-0Tactical Fit: Ruben Amorim—linked with moves to United—values athletic “number eights” who can press, cover ground, and offer box‑to‑box resilience. Ríos fits this profile and would complement Manuel Ugarte or share responsibilities with him .
2177-0South American Momentum: United have been successful in integrating South American talent—Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo—reinforcing confidence in Ríos’s adaptability to the Premier League environment .
Market Price: Reality vs. Release Clause
The financial dynamic is central to negotiations. While €100 million has been cited as a release clause, multiple sources argue Palmeiras would accept a much lower offer:
2408-1A £17 million bid is reportedly on the table from United .
2729-0Discounts as low as €16.7 million were mooted in late 2024, before repeated interest resurfaced .
2867-0The most credible current figure, from Fichajes via Sports Mole (July 5, 2025), suggests the club would accept the €30 million (~£26 million) clause .
If United can secure Ríos closer to €30 million, the deal would represent a bargain given his potential and versatility.
Competition and Timing
3045-1The race isn’t exclusive. Premier League rivals such as Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly circling, with both having scouts track Ríos at the Club World Cup. Forest’s interest, in particular, adds urgency to United’s strategy .
Palmeiras are keen to retain Ríos until the Brazilian season wraps up, and may rebuff early offers. United risks being outpaced unless they act swiftly—and possibly exceed the initial valuations.
Potential Impact at Old Trafford
If the deal is completed, Ríos would address several midfield concerns:
Provide a tenacious, athletic presence to rotate with or support Ugarte.
Offer tactical flexibility for ten Hag and Amorim’s preferred high‑tempo, pressing systems.
Present long‑term upside without the financial burden of pricier targets.
From being a bold scouting gambit, Richard Ríos has emerged as a realistic and appealing option for Manchester United this summer. The combination of his Copa America pedigree, Portuguese decay clause rumors, and tactical profile makes him a legitimate contender in United’s midfield revamp. The coming weeks could see Old Trafford either cement their interest with a firm bid or risk losing out to rivals—on both pitch and purse.
