CM: Milan convinced by Palmeiras midfield star – the strategy for next summer | OneFootball

AC Milan are continuing to think about making another investment in the midfield department and their scouts have highlighted Richard Rios of Palmeiras as a candidate, a report claims.

As Calciomercato.com recall, Rios rose to stardom during the Copa America over the summer. He started out as a Futsal player, playing in his homeland for Alianza Platanera – a Colombian five-a-side football team – before a turning point came in 2019 with the call from Flamengo.

After a series of loan experiences, Palmeiras arrived and convinced him to join. Rios repaid the trust with high-level performances in the Copa Libertadores and the Brasilerao (league), impressing with his grit but also technique and reading of the game.

Several teams from the Premier League and LaLiga asked Palmeiras for information on Rios in the summer, while Milan were also linked, but the Brazilian club did not want to open negotiations for the sale of the Colombian international.

The plan was clear: keep him for another season with a possible sale scheduled only in the summer of 2025. Milan will certainly be one of the teams interested in the next developments because they have been scouting him for ‘at least four months’ and relations ‘have always been very positive’.

Rios can be sold from next summer, but not at a low price. There is a release clause of around €60m in his contract with Palmeiras but Milan have no intention of exercising it and will try to negotiate with the Brazilian side.