"Every Brazilian club act like they have the next Neymar" - Manchester United fans react as Brazilian club set steep transfer fee for target
Manchester United fans have namedropped Neymar while showing disdain over Palmeiras' reported valuation of Colombian star Richard Rios. The Red Devils are linked with the 24-year-old who impressed at Copa America with the runners-up.
However, Diario SPORT reports that Palmeiras are demanding Rios' £75 million release clause be matched. It's a huge fee for a player yet to show his talent in European football.
Rios has majorly impressed at the Allianz Parque and has been vital for Abel Ferreira's side. He's posted five goals and two assists in 82 games across competitions since arriving in March 2023.
Manchester United have set their sights on Rios to bolster their midfield. He's renowned for his dribbling abilities and helps out defensively, and he is a unique talent who could shine in the Premier League.
Rios was excellent at Copa America with Colombia, and appeared in all six of their games. He scored in a 5-0 win against Panama in the quarterfinals and caught the eye in his nation's 1-0 loss to Argentina (a.e.t) in the final.
However, Rios' release clause is extremely pricey and likely to put the Red Devils off. They reportedly have other midfielders on their list, namely PSG's Manuel Ugarte and AS Monaco's Youssouf Fofana.
The Old Trafford faithful understand if INEOS opt not to pursue Rios given the fee Palmeiras are demanding. One fan pointed out that Brazilian clubs continuously sell as if they have found the new Neymar:
"Kills me how every Brazilian club act like they have the next Neymar."
More fans backed that view on X (formerly Twitter), with one alluding to the finances demanded:
"lol, everyone wants to secure the bag."
One fan suggested INEOS' control of recruitment means clubs can't hold Manchester United to ransom:
"When United enters the race to sign a player, every club think they have found a cash cow. They don't know the United of old is long gone. No one is gonna milk us anymore!!
Another fan laughed at the fee:
"No way do they think we paying that."
One fan wrote the transfer off:
"Lmfao bye."
"The offer reached Barcelona" - Neymar's father claimed Manchester United tried signing the Brazilian in 2015
Neymar has been linked with Manchester United over the years, and that was the case in 2015. Brazil's all-time top scorer was at Barcelona, flourishing alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in one of the greatest frontlines in history.
Barca denied United had made a world record bid for the former Santos wonderkid but his father said otherwise. Neymar Santos Sr told Brazilian TV station Boa Tarde Fox:
"The offer reached Barcelona and the club contacted us saying they were not going to sell.They asked if we were interested, but that wasn't the case. Barcelona are not selling, he has three years still to go on his contract. It was Manchester's deal, but that offer is not on the table now, it has fallen through."
Neymar, 32, was a massive hit with the Blaugrana, registering 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 games. He spent two more years at Camp Nou before joining Paris Saint-Germain in a world record €222 million (£200 million deal.