- Manchester United lose ground in Senesi race
- Attention shift towards Liga Portugal
- Contact made with Benfica over Richard Rios
Manchester United looked destined to defeat in their pursuit of AFC Bournemouth star Marcos Senesi.
There can be no crying over spilt milk, as the club has already been in the hunt elsewhere in the market.
Under INEOS, the transfer strategy has been to buy relatively unknown or modest players in the game and breed them into household names. One of the latest success stories from this model has been goalkeeper Senne Lammens. In less than one season, he is set to become the number one for years to come for a measly price of £18.1m.
The idea is to replicate this elsewhere on the pitch, and Portugal may be the next place that the United board feast their eyes towards.
Red Devils Shift Focus to Rios
According to Sport Witness via AS Colombia, both Manchester United and Fulham have made initial contact with SLB Benfica for the signature of midfielder Richar Rios.
The 25-year-old has also been a target for several Italian clubs such as Napoli, Inter Milan, and Roma also monitoring his situation. Rios has established himself in Lisbon, making 41 appearances in all competitions this season. He plays primarily as a defensive midfielder, which would make him a direct replacement for Casemiro. So far in 2025/26, he has recorded five goals and five assists, but has had the benefit of playing further up the pitch earlier in the season.
The Colombian is under contract until 2030, and has a £87m release clause in his current deal. The Portuguese club are resistant to offers, especially with the World Cup coming up, which could boost his valuation. He only joined Benfica last summer from Brazilian side Palmeiras, and is under the tutelage of former United boss Jose Mourinho.
It is not the only link to a Liga Portugal player this week, as United are reportedly keeping tabs on Goncalo Inacio from Sporting CP as well.
Rios Fits New Transfer Strategy
United’s interest in Rios certainly fits the INEOS blueprint of targeting high-ceiling talent. However, the daunting task of “replacing” Casemiro remains a massive ask for any player. Given the lingering questions over just how high the Colombian’s peak actually is, there’s an argument that United should wait a season or two to see how he develops further.
However, with Champions League football looking likely for next season, United could look to snap him up now. He could be afforded plenty of game time while the club simultaneously moves for another high-calibre profile. Interestingly, the AS Colombia report avoids mentioning a realistic transfer fee, focusing instead on that hefty release clause that no club would be willing to trigger.
As his current manager Mourinho knows only too well, the lure of the Premier League is often impossible to ignore. If the Red Devils can negotiate a significantly lower fee, Rios would be a very viable option as that “second” midfielder United need to bolster their squad depth.
