Saudi millions could lure Richard Ríos away from Benfica | OneFootball

Richard Ríos could be at the center of one of the biggest stories in Benfica’s transfer market in recent days. The Colombian midfielder continues to attract interest from abroad, and the Eagles’ board is open to moving forward with a transfer.

According to the Colombian newspaper "EL TIEMPO", Al-Ittihad, one of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs, is interested in securing the signing of the Colombian international. In addition to the Jeddah club, Al-Diriyah, managed by Bruno Lage, is also keeping an eye on the player.

Benfica have set the asking price at €40 million to let Ríos leave. It is a significant amount and would allow the Eagles’ directors to make an important financial gain on a player signed from Palmeiras in 2025 for €27 million.

The situation becomes even more relevant given the options Marco Silva has at his disposal. The arrival of João Palhinha adds experience, physical presence and balance to midfield, while Enzo Barrenechea and Leandro Barreiro have also been used regularly. In this way, internal competition increases and the board may see Ríos’s sale as an opportunity worth taking.

Last season, playing for Benfica, Richard Ríos — valued at €25 million — 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, the player recorded eight goals and six assists. In 2026/27, he has made six appearances.

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