Manchester United is preparing an offensive for Richard Rios from Benfica.

Manchester United is preparing a multi-million pound bid to secure midfielder Richard Rios, valued at £87 million, as the English giant’s target.

The Manchester United is redefining its strategy for the upcoming transfer market, with a clear priority to strengthen the midfield. According to sources close to the club and information reported by the newspaper AS, the Red Devils have already made a formal approach to sign Richard Rios, a midfielder from Benfica, who has been attracting significant interest across Europe.

This move comes at a critical time for the Manchester United midfield, given the imminent departure of Casemiro and the likely transfer of Manuel Ugarte. The need to refresh the core of the team is evident, and although the English club favors players with experience in the Premier League, the desire to broaden their options is more than apparent. The name Richard Rios, a Colombian international and deemed a “phenomenal athlete,” fits perfectly within the profile required by the modern and intense style of English football.

Rios, 25, joined Benfica last summer and quickly established himself within the squad. The midfielder has a contract that includes a release clause of 100 million euros — approximately 87 million pounds — demonstrating the confidence and long-term investment the Portuguese club has in the player. Despite some fluctuations throughout the season, coach José Mourinho remains steadfast in valuing the Colombian, considering him a key player for the upcoming season at the Estádio da Luz.

However, the negotiation promises to be a tough battle. Sources linked to Benfica assure that Richard Rios is happy at the club, appreciating the support from fans, the coach, and the management. This personal satisfaction of the player presents an immediate obstacle to the plans of Manchester United. On the other hand, Benfica’s stance is equally inflexible: the club does not intend to part with their midfielder unless a truly irresistible offer arises. This phrase, common in the transfer world, makes it clear that the club’s management is prepared to resist any offer below their million-euro expectations.

With the Red Devils’ interest in Richard Rios made public and the transfer market heating up, the battle for the signing of this Colombian talent promises to be one of the major stories of the summer in European football. Manchester United is willing to invest heavily to rebuild their midfield, but they will have to overcome Benfica’s unwavering determination and the player’s own satisfaction to secure this sought-after reinforcement. The battle is on, and the outcome could change the landscape of English and Portuguese football in the coming months.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.