I’m not in competition with Erik Ten Hag but He is trying to push us to what will cause disunity between us”, Pep Guardiola says Man united is trying so hard to highjack another top transfer target from them again
Pep Guardiola has expressed concerns about Erik Ten Hag’s tactics, stating that Manchester United’s aggressive pursuit of transfer targets could lead to friction. Guardiola highlighted that Manchester United is once again aiming to outbid them for a key player.
Recent reports from Brazil indicate that Manchester United is eyeing Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios for a summer transfer. This interest arises as United seeks to strengthen their midfield, having already invested £94 million in acquiring striker Joshua Zirkzee and defender Leny Yoro. Their initial target, Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte, carries a hefty price tag of £59 million, prompting United to explore more economical alternatives.
One such alternative is Benfica’s promising 19-year-old Joao Neves, a player United has scouted extensively. Neves might be available for less than his £101 million release clause. Nevertheless, United is casting a wide net in their search, with Rios emerging as a standout candidate after his impressive performance in the Copa America.
Rios, at 24, played a pivotal role in Colombia’s journey to the Copa America final, where they narrowly lost to Argentina. His performance, including a goal in Colombia’s 5-0 victory over Panama, showcased his talent and synergy with James Rodriguez in the midfield under coach Néstor Lorenzo.
Goal Brazil reports that Manchester United has initiated contact with Palmeiras regarding Rios’ availability. AC Milan is also interested in the midfielder. United seems prepared to offer £17 million for Rios, but Palmeiras is not easily swayed.
Palmeiras, financially secure after significant sales, is not under pressure to sell more players. They recently sold Endrick to Real Madrid in a deal potentially worth €72 million (£60 million), and arranged transfers of Estevao Willian to Chelsea and Luis Guilherme to West Ham.
Willian, a 17-year-old prodigy, will join Chelsea next summer in a deal that could total £51 million. Guilherme, an 18-year-old talent, has joined West Ham for £25.5 million on a five-year contract, moving to Julen Lopetegui’s squad this summer.
Given these lucrative deals, Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira has emphasized a need to stabilize the team on the field. Ferreira stated, “We have already made a lot of money from sales. Now, we need to focus on alternatives on the field.”
This sentiment was echoed by a club insider who confirmed to Goal, “The club will not negotiate Rios’ transfer in this window. It is expected that there will be interest, but our stance on this matter is firm.” Manchester United is actively pursuing Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios as part of their strategy to strengthen the midfield. This move comes after their substantial investments in striker Joshua Zirkzee (£94 million) and defender Leny Yoro. United’s initial target, Manuel Ugarte of Paris Saint-Germain, remains costly at £59 million, leading them to consider more affordable alternatives like Rios and Benfica’s 19-year-old Joao Neves.
Rios, a standout performer in Colombia’s Copa America campaign, is also attracting interest from AC Milan. Despite United’s readiness to offer £17 million for Rios, Palmeiras, buoyed by significant recent sales including Endrick to Real Madrid (£60 million), Estevao Willian to Chelsea (£51 million), and Luis Guilherme to West Ham (£25.5 million), is financially stable and under no pressure to sell. Palmeiras’ manager Abel Ferreira has emphasized the need for team stability and a focus on on-field performance, signaling a firm stance against Rios’ transfer this window.
Pep Guardiola has expressed concerns about Manchester United’s aggressive transfer tactics, highlighting potential friction as United attempts to outbid rivals for key players.
