Man United Bids for Copa America Star; Ten Hag Seeks Casemiro Replacement

 Suppose Casemiro leaves the team in the summer. In that case, Manchester United has been linked to a transfer for Richard Rios, a midfielder for Palmeiras who might replace Manuel Ugarte at Old Trafford.

Although no formal offer has been made for the Colombian international, who made an impression during the Copa America, Goal Brasil believes that United has made an inquiry and that AC Milan is also keeping an eye on the 24-year-old.

Man Utd is prepared to pay the player about €20 million, but Palmeiras is reluctant to let him go quickly.

An unidentified source asserted, "The club will not negotiate with Rios in this window; that much is certain." "The club's position on the matter is clear, but it's normal for interested parties to appear."

Man Utd is not expected to influence a sale, even with a big offer.

Abel Ferreira, the head coach of Palmeiras, noted to the media, "We've already made a lot of money from sales." We now have to concentrate on their on-field alternatives.

The Brazilian team sold Luis Guilherme to West Ham and Willian Estevao to Chelsea this summer. Additionally, a deal was made a year ago for Endrick to leave for Real Madrid.

But why exactly is Richard Rios causing all of this buzz?

What qualities does Richard Rios possess?

Rios established himself as an essential member of the runners-up squad with his impressive performances for Colombia at the Copa America.

Like Ugarte, he is a defensively focused player with a similar box-to-box profile. However, compared to Casemiro, he is less well-rounded than a player in possession.

However, SciSports, a data analytics company, is skeptical of its long-term potential. Rios is ranked 92nd out of 105 players in center midfield for Brazil's Serie A team from the previous season.

Comparatively, out of 95 Premier League midfielders, Casemiro was ranked 27th, thus demonstrating his superior defensive abilities.

In contrast, Rios did not place in the top three of SciSports' six defensive metrics, raising severe doubts about his Man United-caliber play.

Furthermore, it is estimated that his Transfer Value is only €1.5 million and has never exceeded €2.2 million, indicating that Manchester United would have to pay a hefty fee to get him.

Therefore, this is pointless transfer speculation. Should Casemiro depart, a move for the admittedly more costly Ugarte would be a much better deal.