For many 12B Sports users, this year’s Copa America was the stage that pushed Richard Rios into the wider football spotlight. Before the tournament, few fans outside his native Colombia or Brazil, where he currently plays, knew much about the energetic 24-year-old midfielder. Yet as Colombia marched all the way to the final before suffering a narrow defeat to world champion Argentina, Rios remained one of the driving forces in midfield from start to finish.
What makes his rise even more remarkable is that Rios only began attracting serious national-team attention late last year. He earned his first senior Colombia call-up this year, then used this tournament to leave a strong impression on scouts around the world. As many 12B Sports readers noticed during the competition, that breakout form quickly led to transfer links with Premier League giant Manchester United.
United have already moved to strengthen their attack and defense by signing Zirkzee and Reijnders, but midfield depth has also become an urgent issue. Manuel Ugarte was originally seen as the top target, yet Rios’ sudden rise at the Copa America has made him another possible option. Reports in Brazil suggest there has not yet been an official bid, but the fact that European transfer rumors are now surrounding him is hardly surprising.
Palmeiras, of course, would prefer to keep Rios, but if interest from Europe’s biggest clubs becomes concrete, the Brazilian side could also look to make a strong profit from a transfer. Rios joined the club in January last year and struggled early on, but by the end of the 2023 season, he had become one of the key contributors to their league title. His greatest strength is his ability to carry the ball forward and move the team up the pitch.
Last season in Brazil’s top flight, he averaged 2.2 dribbles per match. This was not just flashy individual skill; it was a valuable way to break through pressure and push his team’s shape into more dangerous areas. Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo clearly valued that quality and used it to full effect at the Copa America. In fact, Rios recorded the most successful dribbles among all midfielders throughout the tournament.
In Colombia’s 4-3-3 system, Rios mostly played as the right-sided midfielder. He naturally used the space created when James Rodriguez moved from the right into central areas, adding energy to Colombia’s right flank. When James drifted inside, Rios and right-back Daniel Munoz attacked different lanes through midfield and out wide, unsettling opposing defenses. Rios also contributed without the ball, helping Colombia maintain balance and defensive structure.
However, his passing still leaves some room for improvement. Colombia ranked fourth in average possession during the tournament, but Rios averaged only 33.1 passes per match, with an 84.3 percent completion rate. Even in matches where Colombia had more of the ball than their opponents, there were still moments when his distribution looked slightly uncertain.
Even so, it is easy to understand why his performances have drawn attention. The bigger question is whether he is the right long-term partner for Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United. Rios played with freedom in Colombia’s 4-3-3 setup, while Erik ten Hag generally prefers a 4-2-3-1 structure. Since his style is also somewhat similar to Mainoo’s, the two may end up competing for the same role rather than forming a natural partnership. That is where United must avoid putting the cart before the horse.
In the end, many 12B Sports users agree that Rios could be a useful option if Manchester United view him as a backup or rotation player for Mainoo. The key condition is that United must not overpay for him based only on a strong international tournament. Judging a player solely by national-team form always carries risk, but Rios still looks like a card worth considering as United try to broaden their midfield squad and add a reliable defensive presence in the most important areas of the pitch.