12
Manchester United are unlikely to secure the signature of a Brazilian wonderkid they have been following for a while. INEOS took a mixed approach to the transfer market this summer, investing heavily in proven quality from the Premier League as well as emerging talents from other competitions.
Their efforts have already paid off: Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens have made a flying start, and Benjamin Sesko also showed promising results. While the first team remains the center of their attention, United also continue to look for emerging talents from around the world.
The Red Devils have been trying to make their presence felt in the South American market lately and have been linked with several players. A recent report from The Peoples Person names Ricardo Mathias as the English giants’ next target.
United have scouted Mathias
United have turned their attention to younger talents following the arrival of INEOS, marking a long-term approach to their transfer plans. As such, Mathias fits into their strategy.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a meteoric rise after joining Internacional in 2022 and breaking into the senior squad last year. This season, the Brazilian forward has scored six goals in 32 appearances.
Ricardo Mathias Statistics: 2025
| Competition | Performances | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Red cards | Minutes played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazilian Championship Series A | 22 | 5 | 1 | 1 | – | 800′ |
| Copa Libertadores | 4 | 1 | – | – | – | 229′ |
| Brazilian CBF U20 | 3 | – | – | 1 | – | 241′ |
| Brazilian Cup | 2 | – | – | 1 | – | 122′ |
| Gaucho Championship | 1 | – | – | – | – | 8′ |
| Total | 32 | 6 | 1 | 3 | – | 1,400′ |
Source: Transfer market.
Internacional previously wanted €20 million to let their prized asset leave, but are reportedly willing to let him go for just €7 million.
The player’s price tag suits the Red Devils, who scouted him earlier this year but have not yet made a formal offer. However, it now appears that a move to the Theater of Dreams is not possible.
Mathias on the way to Al Ahli
According to Globo Esporte via SportwitnessMathias is all set to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli in a reported €9.25 million deal. Internacional will receive 60% of the compensation, which amounts to approximately €5.5 million.
The report notes United’s interest and the player’s €65 million release clause. However, it adds that the Brazilian’s inconsistent performances and the club’s financial problems have forced Internacional to consider a cheaper deal.
Talks between the Brazilian club and their Saudi counterparts are at an advanced stage with the deal expected to be completed in the coming days. The sale will enable Internacional to achieve its financial targets for this year.
The Red Devils, meanwhile, appear to be missing an emerging South American star.
Final thoughts
United have been missing a powerful goalscorer in the squad for some time and are working to add more depth to the attack. The Red Devils appear to have improved their scouting network of late, which is why they found themselves in contention for Mathias.
Although the odds were not in their favor in this pursuit, the Premier League giants now have a structure in place that puts them in a strong position in the race for football’s next rising stars. As such, United are unlikely to panic over the latest developments.
Feature image Ernesto Ryan via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of Man United’s most important news sites for over ten years. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
#Ricardo #Mathias #Manchester #United #ends #pursuit #Brazilian #striker #Man #United #news #transfer #news #Peoples #Person