- Manchester United eye up Benfica midfielder
- Cheaper alternative to other potential signings
- Playing under former United manager Jose Mourinho
As a revolving door summer transfer window steadily approaches for Manchester United, the club have reportedly identified Richard Rios as another midfield target who can come in and help bring structure to the middle of the park.
Over the course of the next few months, the Old Trafford faithful will say goodbye to Casemiro—whose contract expires on 30 June—with Manuel Ugarte also a player who could depart in the summer, as a host of suitors are ready to move for the Uruguayan.
United will prioritise addressing midfield structure issues this summer, given the lack of depth and quality in the middle of the park. Elliot Anderson stands out as the club’s primary target, with the engine of a midfielder a dream signing for the Red Devils.
He will not come cheap, however, with prices expected to surge into the £100 million range as a host of European royalty battle it out for his signature.
United need more than just one midfielder, with the club expected to recruit two, possibly even three, when the window opens. Rios has emerged as a cheaper alternative who remains realistically attainable.
Rios Identified as Possible Bargain Buy
According to Colombia AS, Manchester United have been linked with a move for Benfica midfielder Ríos, with significant competition standing in their way. As well as fellow Premier League side Fulham showing interest in the Colombian midfielder, Italian sides Napoli, Roma, and Inter Milan have all taken a liking to the 25-year-old.
This is not the first time United have circled him. After Rios’ standout performances at the Club World Cup last summer with Palmeiras, he drew interest from many of Europe’s elite before ultimately settling on Benfica for his move to Europe.
United had previously tracked him, with Erik ten Hag impressed by the then 24-year-old’s displays at the 2024 Copa America and willing to sanction a £17 million move.
While Benfica will not sell the Colombian for less than €35 million (approximately £30.5 million), Rios will likely command a significantly higher fee, with multiple clubs vying for his signature.
Why There Should be Concerns
One of the biggest factors in the transfer is that Benfica do not need to sell Rios. The Portuguese giants have made it clear to interested clubs that they have no intention of letting their midfielder leave this summer.
Rios also carries the risk of not being able to cut it in a more physically demanding league. Whilst the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Nani hit remarkable peaks at Manchester United and dominated the league, a recent influx of exports from the Primeira Liga have failed to match that level.
Viktor Gyokeres has improved drastically since signing for Arsenal, but he has not reached the same heights he hit in Portugal. His former Sporting CP boss, Ruben Amorim, is another.
The now ex-United coach did improve during the final few months of his spell at the club, but his first six months in England came under intense scrutiny as he led the Red Devils to a 15th-place finish—their lowest ever in the Premier League era.
