Richard Ríos in Napoli's sights? Italian interest in Benfica man | OneFootball

Richard Ríos has been mentioned as a possible signing for Napoli, after being highlighted in the Italian press as a player who appeals to the club’s hierarchy. The name of the 25-year-old Colombian midfielder is highly regarded by sporting director Giovanni Manna, but so far, no formal offer has been made.

At this point, the player remains focused on the present and wants to finish the current season on a high, extending his current good form. He is also preparing to play in the first World Cup of his career.

In last summer’s transfer window, the Eagles beat competition from Italian side Roma, led by Gian Piero Gasperini, and Porto, managed by Francesco Farioli, both of whom ultimately lost the race for the first-team player from Benfica’s squad, coached by José Mourinho.

Despite the impact he has made, the Special One has already expressed some reservations about the midfielder’s characteristics, comparing him with other options in the squad: “Ríos and Barrenechea are not the same thing as Aursnes and Leandro Barreiro,” the coach said after the draw against Porto, implying differences in the players’ profiles for the position.

So far this season, playing for Benfica, Richard Ríos — valued at €22 million — has made a total of 40 official appearances: 22 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 3,200 minutes he has spent on the pitch, he has recorded five goals and five assists.

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