Who is Richard Rios? Man United eye Manuel Uguarte alternative who lit up Copa America
The latest Manchester United transfer news as the midfielder is one of the names to be linked with a move to Old Trafford as the club look for possible Manuel Ugarte alternatives.
Manchester United are one of the clubs to be credited with an interest in Richard Rios this summer as the search for a central midfielder goes on.
The Reds had been heavily linked with Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte, but it is now reported that the club are looking at alternative targets due to PSG’s asking price for the player. One of those options could be Rios.
The French giants are reportedly asking for a £52 million fee for the Uruguayan. Sander Berge, Martin Zubimendi and former loanee Sofyan Amrabat are the other names on the list of alternative targets according to The Telegraph.
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While Amrabat, and possibly Berge, who has spent time in the Premier League, will be familiar to United fans, the same can’t be said Rios. With that in mind, here is an overview of the midfielder, as well as a look at the latest transfer reports around him.
Who is Richard Rios?
Rios is a 24-year-old midfielder who currently plays for Brazilian Serie A side Palmeiras. He has been with the club since March 2023 after joining from fellow Brazilian side Guarani.
Rios has played in South America all of his career, having come up through the youth team with Flamengo. His only time outside of Brazil came in a loan spell to Mexican side Mazatlan for the 2021/22 campaign.
Rios is a Colombian international. He has 13 caps for his nation, scoring twice.
How did he do last season?
Rios has made a total of 32 appearances in all competitions so far this season, but has missed 11 league games for Palmeiras due to his involvement in the Copa America over the summer. He has scored twices and provided one assist so far, but has mainly been utilised in a defensive midfield position.
Rios was an unused substitute for Palmeiras’ latest league game. The Brazilian side drew 1-1 with Internacional on Sunday.
Who else is interested?
As well as United, several other Premier League clubs have been linked with an interest in Rios this summer. Last month, Brazilian outlet UOL linked Rios with a move to Everton and Leicester City.
The same clubs, as well as United and West Ham were linked with the midfielder by TEAMTalk earlier this month. Palmeiras are said to be looking for a fee of around £12 million for the player.