Napoli want Benfica starter, initial talks already held | OneFootball

Richard Ríos is drawing attention in Italian football, at a time when he is enjoying one of his best spells since arriving at Luz. The Colombia international has two goals and two assists in the last three games and is on Napoli’s radar.

According to Sky Sport, the midfielder is seen as one of Antonio Conte’s main options to strengthen the midfield next season. The 25-year-old player is said to be highly rated by sporting director Giovanni Manna.

According to the same report, initial contacts have already taken place to assess a possible transfer, although no formal offer has yet been made. It should be recalled that Benfica made a significant investment in the summer of 2025, paying Palmeiras 27 million euros for the player’s full rights.

At the time, the Eagles beat competition from Italian side Roma, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, and Porto, coached by Francesco Farioli, both of whom ended up losing the race for the starting player in José Mourinho’s Benfica squad.

So far this season, playing for Benfica, Richard Ríos — valued at 22 million euros — has made a total of 40 official appearances: 22 in the Liga Portugal Betclic, 12 in the Champions League, three in the Portuguese Cup, two in the League Cup and one in the Super Cup. In the 3,200 minutes he has spent on the pitch, the number 20 has recorded five goals and five assists.

Great play by Ríos:

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.