
Manchester United Face Battle With Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr for Internacional Striker Mathias
The transfer market rarely slows down, and once again Manchester United find themselves circling one of South America’s brightest prospects. This time, however, the competition isn’t only from European rivals like PSV Eindhoven – but from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. The Saudi Arabian club have reportedly submitted an offer for Internacional striker Mathias, a teenager who has rapidly emerged as one of Brazil’s most exciting young forwards.
The move places United in a delicate position: do they push forward in the race for Mathias, or step back in the face of Saudi financial power? For the player himself, the decision is equally fascinating – join Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia now, or hold out for the long-term promise of European football.
Al-Nassr Make Bid for Mathias as Manchester United Watch Closely
According to reports from Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, Al-Nassr have already submitted an official proposal to Internacional for the striker. While the value of the bid has not been disclosed, Mathias only recently signed a new contract with Internacional that ties him to the club until 2028. That deal includes a hefty €65 million (£56m/$76m) release clause, a figure designed to give the Brazilian side control over their prized asset’s future.
United scouts, along with PSV Eindhoven, have been tracking Mathias in recent months. Scouts from Old Trafford were spotted at Internacional’s clash with Fluminense earlier this summer, while PSV have also kept close tabs on the teenager’s development. What makes the chase more complicated is the financial muscle of Al-Nassr. In a market where Saudi Arabian clubs have already lured players like Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mané, the lure of both money and the opportunity to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo is proving irresistible for many.
Mathias: From Academy Prospect to Internacional Breakthrough
For those less familiar with Mathias, his story has moved quickly. Breaking into Internacional’s first team last season, he has already begun to make a mark in Brazil’s Série A. Just 19, he has scored twice this season and consistently impressed with his pace, strength, and ability to hold the ball under pressure. Internacional see him as one of their crown jewels, which is why they rushed to extend his contract earlier this year and set such a high release clause.
Brazilian football has long been a hotbed for European clubs searching for the next big thing. From Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinho to Neymar and Vinícius Júnior, there is a long tradition of players using Brazil as a springboard to stardom in Europe. Mathias could be the next in line. For Manchester United, who continue to monitor long-term attacking options despite already strengthening their frontline this summer, the teenager represents exactly the kind of project they want: a player who could grow into a star at Old Trafford over time.
Manchester United’s Striker Hunt and Amorim’s Plans

Nacional v Internacional – Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2025 Mathias
United’s interest in Mathias isn’t surprising. Manager Ruben Amorim, who has taken charge of the team this summer, is known for his trust in young talent. Having developed players at Sporting Lisbon before making the leap to Old Trafford, Amorim has emphasized the importance of building a squad with both immediate quality and future promise.
Though United have already added reinforcements to their attack, Amorim wants options who can adapt to different systems and grow with the squad. Mathias ticks many of those boxes: he is young, technically skilled, and already showing maturity beyond his years. The club’s recruitment department has a long track record of keeping tabs on South American prospects, and Mathias’ performances have only raised his profile further.
The question, however, is whether United are prepared to compete with Al-Nassr’s financial firepower. Unlike in Europe, where transfer negotiations can stretch out over weeks and hinge on bonuses or sell-on clauses, Saudi clubs often arrive with straightforward offers and player salaries that are impossible to match.
Al-Nassr’s Advantage: The Cristiano Ronaldo Factor
Money talks in football, but so does star power. Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence at Al-Nassr remains one of the Saudi Pro League’s biggest selling points, and for a young striker like Mathias, the idea of training alongside one of the greatest players in football history could be irresistible.
For many players in their early 30s, Saudi Arabia has represented a lucrative final chapter to their careers. But for someone like Mathias, barely out of his teens, the chance to learn from Ronaldo day in and day out could offer a different kind of appeal. It is not only about wages or bonuses – it’s about development, guidance, and exposure on a global stage.
Still, there is a counterpoint: while the Saudi Pro League is growing, it does not yet provide the same competitive platform as Europe’s top five leagues. For a player with aspirations of competing in the Champions League, World Cups, and Ballon d’Or races, Europe remains the place to be.
Internacional Hold the Keys
Ultimately, Internacional remain in the driving seat. By inserting the €65m release clause into Mathias’ contract, they have ensured that they are under no pressure to sell cheaply. They rejected previous offers before finalizing his extension, signaling that they see him as a cornerstone of their project in the short term.
If Al-Nassr’s bid falls well short of that release clause, Internacional could easily hold out for a higher offer. For United, this may present an opportunity. Though they are unlikely to trigger the €65m clause outright, a carefully structured bid with add-ons could test the waters. On the other hand, United may decide to take a step back and allow Mathias to continue developing in Brazil before revisiting the situation in future transfer windows.
The Crossroads: Saudi Arabia or Europe?
For Mathias, the decision ahead is a defining one. Does he take the immediate leap into a new life alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, trading the traditional European pathway for a bold and financially secure move? Or does he wait, continuing to develop at Internacional with the hope that Manchester United, PSV, or another European giant comes calling with a firm offer?
United’s history with Brazilian players has been mixed – from the brilliance of Anderson in his early years to the disappointment of others who never quite settled. But the Premier League remains one of the ultimate stages for any South American forward.
Al-Nassr’s financial power, however, has changed the rules of the game. What once looked like a straightforward climb from Brazil to Europe is no longer guaranteed.
Conclusion: United in No Rush, Al-Nassr Ready to Pounce
The race for Mathias highlights the shifting landscape of world football. Manchester United are interested, PSV are watching closely, but Al-Nassr have already made their move. Internacional, holding firm with their €65m release clause, will play their cards carefully.
For now, the teenager is still wearing the red of Internacional, scoring goals in Brazil, and building his reputation. But whether his future lies at Old Trafford, in the Netherlands, or under the Saudi sun with Cristiano Ronaldo, one thing is clear: Mathias won’t stay under the radar for long.
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