Manchester United look set to miss out on young Brazilian forward Ricardo Mathias, who has been on the club’s radar for some time.
The 19-year-old, who has been making waves at Internacional in Brazil, appears to be heading to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli for a fee of around €9.25 million.
United had been tracking Mathias as part of their long-term strategy to bring in emerging South American talent.
Since INEOS took control of the club, the Red Devils have been trying to balance their transfer approach by signing both proven Premier League players and rising stars from other leagues.
While United have seen recent success with summer signings such as Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Senne Lammens, the club continues to scout younger players who could develop into future stars.
Mathias seemed to fit that profile perfectly, but the deal now looks to have slipped away.
Mathias’ Rise and Appeal to the United
Ricardo Mathias joined Internacional in 2022 and quickly impressed at the youth level, breaking into the senior squad the following year.
This season, the Brazilian forward has made 32 appearances, scoring six goals and registering one assist across multiple competitions, including the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Copa Libertadores, and Copa do Brasil.
Standing out for his size, movement, and finishing, Mathias had caught the attention of scouts at Old Trafford.
Reports suggest United were considering him as a long-term option to strengthen their attack and provide depth in the forward positions.
Internacional had initially valued Mathias at around €20 million, but financial difficulties and inconsistent performances led the club to lower the price to roughly €7–9 million.
This seemed like a perfect opportunity for United, but the move now appears to be off the cards, with Al-Ahli taking the lead.
United’s Transfer Strategy and Scouting Network
Manchester United have been rebuilding their scouting network in recent years, focusing on identifying young talent across South America, Europe, and Africa.
The club has already made strides by signing players who have an immediate impact in the Premier League while keeping an eye on younger players with long-term potential.
Mathias’ profile fits United’s strategy well: a young, promising striker who could develop into a top forward.
However, with the transfer not progressing and Al-Ahli moving quickly, the Red Devils will have to look elsewhere for their next emerging star.
The club has shown patience in the past, signing Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Bryan Mbeumo in the summer, demonstrating that they are prepared to invest heavily in talent while maintaining a long-term vision for the squad.
Al-Ahli Deal and Internacional’s Decision
Reports from Globo Esporte and Sport Witness indicate that Mathias is on the verge of joining Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia for €9.25 million, with Internacional set to receive around €5.5 million after their share.
The Brazilian club reportedly agreed to the cut-price deal to meet financial targets for the year.
Although United had scouted the player earlier in the season and were aware of his €65 million release clause, no formal offer was submitted.
With Internacional facing financial pressures, Mathias’ move to Al-Ahli seems imminent, leaving United without one of the promising talents in South America.
What This Means for Manchester United
Missing out on Mathias may be a small disappointment for United fans, but the club’s scouting and transfer structure continues to improve.
INEOS’s approach is clear: combine immediate Premier League quality with young prospects who could shine in the future.
United have long been in search of talented forwards to add depth and goals to their squad.
While Mathias would have been a good addition, the club now has the framework to identify the next emerging stars and compete in the global market for top young talent.
For now, Manchester United will turn their attention to other targets, both in South America and elsewhere, as they continue to build a squad capable of competing at the highest levels in England and Europe.
Fans can take comfort in the fact that United’s long-term transfer vision remains intact, and missing one young player is unlikely to derail the club’s broader ambitions.
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