Manchester United have reportedly held talks with Everton forward Richarlison over a possible summer move.
According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United have identified Richarlison as a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo should the Portuguese decide to leave in the summer. After a strong start to his second stint with the Red Devils, Ronaldo has had a disappointing few months.
The 37-year-old scored a brace on his second debut for the club earlier this season, but his form has fizzled out as the season has progressed. In total, the former Real Madrid superstar has scored 15 goals across all competitions for Manchester United this season, much below his usual standards. More alarmingly, he has scored just once in 2022. The club are also struggling to churn out positive results consistently.
Ronaldo’s recent form and United’s on-field fortunes have amplified rumours that Ronaldo could be looking for a way out. The Red Devils are struggling to finish in the top four and desperately need a major turnaround.
Ronaldo’s absence from the Manchester derby squad has further fuelled rumours that the Portuguese maverick is planning to leave. His former side Juventus have been linked in recent months, but it is believed that the former Real Madrid star has his heart set on a move to PSG if United fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
The aforementioned report claims that if Ronaldo does decide to move on, the Manchester United board will not stand in his way. After the current season, the Portuguese will still have a year remaining on his contract. But rather than wait for the 37-year-old’s decision, the Manchester United board has already started planning for life without him.
Everton’s Richarlison has emerged as a possible replacement, with reports claiming that United officials met with the Brazilian’s entourage to discuss a potential summer move. The 24-year-old is expected to cost Manchester United between £60 to £70 million and will receive a significant rise in his wages.
Richarlison joined Everton in the 2018 summer transfer window from Watford and has since made 138 appearances for them, scoring 59 goals in the process. However, the Brazilian’s lack of consistency could be a major worry. He has just scored five goals this season from 20 matches, although a lot of it is down to the Toffees’ struggles as a team.
With Marcus Rashford also considering his future at Old Trafford, Manchester United will need to bring in a new forward, and Richarlison is now seemingly on the club’s radar. But he will likely have to wait and see if Ronaldo continues his second Manchester United stint beyond the ongoing season.
