WHAT HAPPENED?
Colombia emerged as the unexpected winner of the Copa America in the United States, making it to the championship game. Sadly, they were defeated by Lautaro Martinez in extra time. Nevertheless, a number of elite teams considering a summer transfer were interested in signing Rios and other players from Nestor Lorenzo.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
One team that has taken an interest in the 24-year-old is Manchester United. According to sources who spoke with GOAL Brazil, the Red Devils have already contacted Palmeiras to explore a possible summer transfer for the central midfield player. According to the sources, Erik ten Hag’s team is getting ready to make a bid of £17 million ($21.9 million) for the Colombian, as INEOS and the Dutchman intend to restructure their squad after a disappointing 2023–24 campaign.
WHAT’S MORE?
According to the source, Palmeiras is not going to back down despite being aware of the midfielder’s worth in the eyes of several European powerhouses, including AC Milan, who is rumored to be interested in the gifted player. According to reports, the Alviverde are not willing to negotiate since they do not want to lose such a valuable player in the middle of the season.
DID YOU KNOW?
Earlier in the month, Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira was very clear that the club does not need to make any more sales following the sales of players like Estevao Willian to Chelsea, Luis Guilherme to West Ham and Endrick to Real Madrid. He told the media: “We’ve already made a lot of money from sales. Now, we need to focus on alternatives within the field.”
WHAT NEXT FOR RIOS?
Palmeiras will probably make every effort to keep Rios at Allianz Parque until the end of the current campaign, but given the Red Devils’ substantial spending power, it’s possible that Rios will join them at Old Trafford this summer.
