Manchester United have already struck a deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson this summer, but are now eyeing his Brazil team-mate.
The Red Devils have made upgrading their midfield a priority in the transfer window, but a new striker and left-back are also on the shortlist if the budget can stretch that far, while the goalkeeping department will also undergo an overhaul with Altay Bayindir expected to leave.
The club are expected to keep a close eye on the striker position depending on what happens to Marcus Rashford’s post-World Cup future, and it has now emerged that they are keeping a close eye on the Brazilian sensation.
Manchester United eyeing Ryan
Action Images/REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
Manchester United are among the clubs with a very strong interest in Bournemouth star Ryan, according to AS journalist Edu Burgos.
The Brazilian striker, described as “lethal”, joined the Cherries in the January transfer window for £35m and immediately excelled as a replacement for Antoine Semenyo, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 15 appearances.
These performances earned him a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad and he started at right back ahead of Neymar, Luis Enrique and Gabriel Martinelli as Raphinha was injured in the win over Haiti.
His performances have led United to hold internal discussions about securing his services, although Bournemouth are adamant he will spend the 2026/27 season at the Vitality Stadium.
However, the 19-year-old has a €100m (£87m) release clause in his contract that comes into force in the summer of 2027 and it now seems inevitable that he could leave next summer at the latest.
⚽
World Cup History Quiz
You scored
out of 20
↩ Play again
Manchester United can skip the line with Ryan’s big bet
Ryan is someone who has been keeping an eye on him since he was raring to go to Brazil and it was a bit of a surprise when Bournemouth won the race for his signature in January.
But with his performances showing he is ready for the top level, a number of clubs are circling around waiting for that release clause to come into effect.
Manchester United could jump the queue by making a mega offer this summer and getting the deal done early, but convincing Bournemouth to sell him sooner will not be easy. This is something to keep an eye on throughout the summer, no matter how unlikely it seems at this stage.
Connected
David Ornstein: Manchester United are in open talks to sign world-class Chelsea star
Manchester United are looking at strengthening their midfield.