Benfica Close In On Richard Rios Transfer After Director Heads to Brazil

Benfica are close to signing Richard Rios from Palmeiras. Club officials are traveling to Brazil for talks that might complete the deal this weekend.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN BRAZIL?

Benfica offered €30 million for Richard Rios, which is the fixed fee Palmeiras is asking for before agreeing to sell him according to reports. A director will negotiate with Palmeiras. Rios, a Colombian midfielder, had agreed with AS Roma, but now he prefers Benfica after AS Roma hesitated to pay. Reports say Benfica’s urgency and readiness to pay give them an advantage to quickly finish the deal. A proposed contract could keep Rios in Lisbon until 2030.

THE WIDER IMPACT

This could be a big signing for Benfica before the new season. Benfica finished second in the Primeira Liga last season as they seek to strengthen their squad to win the title. Richard Rios got attention at the Club World Cup and seems like a rising talent. Everton and Inter Milan were interested in him earlier this summer. AS Roma, frustrated by transfer issues and high demands, now look at other targets.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BENFICA AND PALMEIRAS?

Benfica’s next competitive match is the 2025 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira against Sporting CP. The team wants to strengthen its midfield to close the gap to Sporting, who were three points ahead last season. Palmeiras are currently third in the Brazilian table, four points behind leaders Flamengo, and they will need to think about replacing Rios if the deal happens. All eyes are on the talks in Brazil as Benfica attempts to finalize the transfer before their season starts.