Manchester United walk away from signing Brazilian after scouting sessions

Once scouted live by Manchester United and linked with a €65m release clause, Ricardo Mathias is now set to join Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia for a fraction of that price.

As told by Globo Esporte in Brazil, the 19-year-old striker is on the verge of being sold for €9.25m. Internacional is entitled to 60% of the fee – around €5.5m. 

Talks are at an advanced stage and the deal is expected to be finalised in the coming days. Earlier this year, Al-Nassr had also submitted a bid. But it’s Al Ahli who are now closing in on the signing.

It’s a sharp contrast to how things looked just a while ago. In October 2024, Inter renewed Mathias’ contract until 2028 and raised his buyout clause to €65m, amid interest from Dutch side PSV. 

Manchester United scouting leads to nothing

Then after an excellent run of matches in mid 2025, he received strong scouting attention from Manchester United. But inconsistent performances, fluctuating game time and Inter’s growing financial pressure have brought the market value down to earth.

Mathias finishes the season with 29 appearances and six goals. He ended the year on the bench but contributed with an assist in the 3-1 win that ensured Inter stayed in the top flight. 

The sale now puts the club closer to its financial targets for the season. But the return is far from the projections made when European giants first came knocking. And United may now have one less future prospect to keep watch.