Manchester United looking to close £39m midfielder as first summer signing: report

The Red Devils are reportedly in contact with Benfica to obtain a rising midfielder superstar that could be crucial for their centre-of-the-park rebuild this summer.

Manchester United are currently third in the Premier League under Michael Carrick, whose tenure began with the joint-best start after nine games by any manager or head coach in Premier League history.

With two losses and one draw in their last five Premier League games, the cracks are quickly becoming visible, and the loss of a back-in-form Casemiro this summer could make matters worse.

Manchester United make contact for rising Benfica star

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According to a report from Caught Offside, Manchester United have made contact with Benfica over the signing of rising midfield star Richard Rios.

Rios, whose rise is documented in FourFourTwo’s two-minute scout report, is on track to be one of Europe’s most complete midfielders - a Champions League-level talent capable of making the step up to Premier League football.

While Rios’ valuation is inconsistent amongst the current clubs battling for his signature, it is understood that Benfica would likely accept €45 million for their midfielder.

Manchester United face Premier League opposition in the race for Benfica’s star midfielder, with Fulham also interested in the Colombian.

The Serie A is also looking to get its hands on the 25-year-old, with Napoli in the mix to make an offer for Rios.

According to the report, the interested clubs value Benfica’s midfielder at around €30 million - but Rios’ performances at the World Cup 2026 could see the club’s asking price go either up or down.

While it’s unclear if Rios’ signing is a priority for Manchester United, scouts have been to the Colombian play, with the resulting positive feedback being instrumental in the club making contact with Benfica.

Michael Carrick’s side has been linked with a series of names ahead of a summer rebuild, but interest in many of these targets is either fading or being matched by Premier League opposition.

It has been suggested that Manchester United will look to make one statement midfield signing, ideally Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, with an additional player to maintain squad depth.

Manchester United return to Premier League action next Monday, at home against eighth-placed Brentford.