Manchester United desperately need midfield reinforcements to regain control in the middle of the park.
The Club World Cup has provided a great platform for non-European teams to prove their mettle against their European counterparts.
This tournament has allowed many players to showcase their skills against some of the best teams in Europe.
One such player was Palmeiras' midfield general Richard Rios. The Colombian had an exceptional tournament until the quarterfinals as Palmeiras suffered a narrow defeat to Chelsea.
Rios' flawless performances throughout the tournament meant he attracted a lot of interest from top European teams.
As per journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are keeping a close watch on the Colombian.
Apart from these teams, Inter Milan, Napoli, AC Milan, AS Roma, PSG, Nottingham Forest and Villareal are also interested in the 25-year-old box-to-box midfielder.
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United desperately need midfield options as they identify Rios as a replacement for Christian Eriksen. Even Casemiro is in the latter stages of his career, so midfield reinforcements are vital.
According to reports, Rios would cost United something in the region of €20-25m ($27-34m). He is considered a cheaper alternative to Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
The Red Devils are also linked with Douglas Luiz as the Brazilian is keen on returning to the Premier League after his underwhelming tenure at Juventus.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur also need a midfielder who could bring control in the middle of the park, and Rios is exactly that kind of player.
What would Rios bring to these teams?
Interestingly, Rios played Futsal until 2018. He was scouted by Flamengo scouts in a U20 Futsal tournament. It was only in 2019 that he started playing federated football.
Richard Ríos has won 25 ground duels at the Club World Cup, no player at the tournament has won more.
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 1, 2025
Has all the tools to be a TOP box-to-box midfielder. 🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/TfQJH5UoLZ
He has been in Brazil throughout his career, barring a short loan stint in Mexico. He joined Palmeiras in 2023 and has been one of the finest number 8s in South America.
Rios would bring creativity, drive, and physicality to the middle of the park, allowing him to fit in many teams' midfield.
As per Statman Dave, the Colombian has won 25 ground duels at the Club World Cup, no player in the tournament has won more duels.
He has been extremely well-rounded in this tournament, leading in tackles and interceptions, proving his combativeness in the middle of the park.
The Colombian would be a great addition to United as well as to Spurs. He could play a big role for Thomas Frank in his Tottenham setup.
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Category: General Sports
