Manchester United are beginning to shift focus from the attack this summer, with midfield among the next priorities to be targeted.
So far in the summer transfer window, Manchester United have been solely dedicated to strengthening the attack.
This comes after a season in which the Red Devils scored just 44 goals in the league. To remedy this situation, United have signed Matheus Cunha, while a deal to add Bryan Mbeumo is close.
However, as much as the attack was in need, the midfield could equally do with strengthening. United have approached to sign Ardon Jashari from Club Brugge, although he is thought to prefer AC Milan.
In midfield, Ruben Amorim wants to sign an ‘athletic’ midfielder, and with that demand clear, there is a talent currently shining in the Club World Cup who would be the perfect fit.
Richard Rios about to play a pass for Palmeiras.
Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Manchester United’s stance on signing Richard Rios
Few players in South America would be more ready for a step to Europe than Richard Rios of Palmeiras. The 25-year-old is incredibly well-rounded and has impressed at the past two big-stage tournaments he has played in.
Rios was amazing in the Copa America last summer and has done so again in the Club World Cup. This has seen United named among 10 suitors for Rios this summer.
Now, speaking with The United Stand, Ben Jacobs has confirmed that United are aware of Rios, although a deal is not on the cards just yet, primarily down to the player focusing on his club duties.
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“I’ve heard a lot of noise about Rios. He’s been absolutely fantastic at the Club World Cup, and we are seeing growing interest as a consequence. I think Rios could [get a big move this summer].
“What I can tell you is Manchester United have scouted the player, but scouting doesn’t mean a great deal. Now that Palmeiras are through, we’re gonna have to be very patient with this saga.
“But at this stage, I’m not aware of Manchester United making any sort of club approach or any move on the player side at the moment. Nottingham Forest are the only Premier League team I know that have actually made contact on the player side. Tottenham are another club to watch, PSG also really like the player too, so Manchester United could be there.
“But actually, the player side has said if he moves, he doesn’t want to have these conversations now anyway, and that’s the key to succeeding with these kinds of transfers, you have to understand when the player wants to speak to you and when the player wants to focus on his football.
“It’s probably one for mid-July or even early August, which means that time is at least on Manchester United’s side.”
Rios is a player just waiting to explode to life on the big stage, and he would be an exciting midfield partner for Bruno Fernandes.
Richard Rios has Ruben Amorim’s biggest demand in abundance
One of the biggest pluses to trying to sign Rios this summer is that the Colombian would not break the bank. Last summer, United were interested in a £17m deal for Rios.
This would have been and still would be an absolute bargain. Even if Palmeiras had added £10m to the asking price, it would still represent great market value. The deal looks even better when considering that Rios fits the bill of Amorim’s ‘mad dogs’ demand regarding running.
According to the official FIFA website, during the Club World Cup group stage, no Palmeiras player applied more presses (85) than Rios. Additionally, he completed the most sprints (172) of any of his teammates.
Rios can press, tackle, pass, dribble, and has the in-game IQ needed to make the step up into Premier League football. Rios’ athleticism and physicality are also big positives, which make this deal a smart one for the right price.
Now, we wait to see if United will make a move.