Manchester United could shortly complete a move to sign Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, according to reports - with the Red Devils having sent scouts out over the summer to watch the Colombia international in action as they aim to bolster their ranks in the engine room of Ruben Amorim's squad.
United's 15th-placed finish in the Premier League last season and subsequent lack of silverware in the cups - including a defeat in the Europa League final - means that they have no continental football next season. In a bid to change that, Amorim is keen on bolstering his squad with talent who will sign for the club even without a place in Europe - and Rios is now in INEOS' sights.
Report: Man Utd 'Interested' in Signing Rios, Scouts Have Watched Him
The Red Devils are keen on new talent and Rios is in their sights
Richard Rios in action for Palmeiras
The report by Palmeiras Online states that United are interested in signing Rios from the Brazilian outfit this summer - with the 25-year-old having impressed their scouts at the Club World Cup this summer amid the attendance of a Red Devils entourage. United's interest could prompt an official proposal, with more depth and quality needed in the centre of the park - something that the South American midfielder would bring in abundance.
Richard Rios' Brasileirao statistics - Palmeiras squad ranking, 2024 season
Stats
Minutes played
Assists
Dribbles Per Game
Tackles Per Game
Shots Per Game
Match rating
Rios has proven himself to be a key player for Palmeiras in the three years that he's been at the club, notching 137 games for the club in all competitions - a lot over a short period of time, and that's without 23 caps for Colombia in that time.
The 25-year-old 'freak athlete' is evidently ready for a move to Europe, and although the report says that it's unsure whether he is tempted by a move to Old Trafford, an opportunity to move to the Premier League is largely hard to turn down for players wanting to prove themselves in the best league in the world.
Representatives have been present in the US throughout the summer to watch Rios as Palmeiras reached the quarter-finals, only being ousted by Chelsea in the final eight.
Able to play in the defensive and central midfield positions, he could be crucial to Amorim's side in terms of their squad depth and quality, able to play alongside Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount and Casemiro in the centre of the park at Old Trafford.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 15-07-25.
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