Reported United interest sees club adopt new transfer stance – they now ‘won’t negotiate’ offers below £75m

As has been the case since Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, and long will it continue to be the case, clubs are adding a ‘Manchester United tax’ onto their players.

We’ve seen it happen more recently with the likes of Antony (£86 million), Jadon Sancho (£73m) and Harry Maguire (£80m), yet this time, it’s rumoured target Richard Rios of Palmeiras who’s poised to be priced out of a summer move.

Despite the player having a €90m (£75m) release clause embedded into his contract, reports had suggested a fee of around £17m could be enough to get a deal over the line. However, the 24-year-old’s stellar showings at the Copa America with Colombia have seen him garner widespread interest across Europe, prompting Palmeiras to adopt a firmer transfer stance.

With the likes of Juventus and AC Milan joining United in the hunt for his signature, journalist Eduardo Rodrigues has confirmed the sides will need to pay the full buck if Rios is to depart the Brazilian outfit in the coming weeks.

Today’s update regarding Rios is a considerable blow for United

“Palmeiras does not need money now and wants Richard for the 2025 Club World Cup,” he told Diario Sport, cited by Sport Witness, before adding that the board ‘won’t negotiate’ any proposals below Rios’ £75m buyout fee.

Given that INEOS have just welcomed Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro in quick succession at Old Trafford, it’s unlikely United will be able to fork out such a fee to add Rios to the ranks this transfer window.