Richard Rios: Man Utd bid for Copa America star – but is he the Casemiro replacement Ten Hag needs?

22 Jul 2024 10:00 BST
13 min read

Richard Rios, Colombia, Man Utd — © IMAGO

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Richard Rios, the Palmeiras midfielder who could arrive at Old Trafford as an alternative to Manuel Ugarte should Casemiro leave the club in the summer.

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Goal Brasil reports that although no official offer has been made for the Colombia international, who impressed during the Copa America, there has been an enquiry made by United, while the 24-year-old is also being watched by AC Milan.

Man Utd are willing to spend around €20 million on the player, but Palmeiras are unlikely to allow him to leave easily.

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“What’s certain is that the club will not negotiate with Rios in this window,” an unnamed source claimed. “It’s normal for interested parties to appear, but the club’s position on the matter is clear.”

Even with a major offer, Man Utd are unlikely to sway a deal.

Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira pointed out to the press: “We’ve already made a lot of money from sales. Now we need to focus on their alternatives on the field.”

Indeed, the Brazilian side have already sold Willian Estevao to Chelsea and Luis Guilherme to West Ham this summer, while a deal was struck a year ago that has seen Endrick leave for Real Madrid.

But just why is Richard Rios generating such excitement?

What are Richard Rios’ strengths?

Rios’ performances at the Copa America for Colombia were strong in the heart of midfield, earning him the label of an indispensable figure in the squad of the runners-up.

He is a typically defensively minded player, who offers a box-to-box profile that does not differentiate significantly from Ugarte. He is not as rounded a player in possession as Casemiro, however.

Data analytics firm SciSports does, however, have concerns over his long-term ability. It rates Rios only 92nd among 105 central midfield players in Brazil’s Serie A last term.

Rios vs Brazil Serie A midfielders: 2023

In comparison, Casemiro was classed 27th from 95 Premier League midfielders and obviously stood out with his defensive qualities.

Rios, by comparison, did not finish in the top third of any of SciSports’ six defensive metrics, putting into serious question whether he is of Man Utd quality.

On top of this, his Estimated Transfer Value is a mere €1.5m and has never surpassed €2.2m, suggesting that Man Utd would be paying well over the odds to sign him.

This is, therefore, likely to be idle transfer speculation, with a deal for the admittedly more expensive Ugarte looking significantly better value should Casemiro leave.