Despite the rumours, Rui Pedro Braz won't poach Benfica star | OneFootball

Richard Ríos has once again been linked with rumors involving the Saudi market, at a time when the future of the Colombian midfielder at Benfica continues to attract attention. The speculation emerged due to Al Ahli’s alleged interest in strengthening their midfield during this transfer window.

Despite the reports that began to circulate, Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari guarantees that there has been no contact whatsoever between Al Ahli and the club from Lisbon regarding a possible transfer of the "cafetero".

The name of Rui Pedro Braz, who previously spent time at the Luz and currently works as an executive at Al Ahli, is naturally associated with the rumor due to his connection to Portuguese football. However, the information reported by Gianluigi Longari does not point to any approach from the Saudi club.

The Colombian midfielder joined Benfica in July 2025 from Palmeiras in a deal worth 27 million euros, according to the club’s announcement. The 26-year-old footballer signed a contract with the Eagles until 2030 and, since then, has become one of the options for the Lisbon side’s midfield.

Last season, playing for Benfica, Richard Ríos — valued at 25 million euros — made 45 appearances: 27 in 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 3,638 minutes he was on the pitch, he recorded eight goals and six assists.

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