Benfica Closing In on Richard Ríos After Roma Pull Out

Benfica are now in pole position to sign Colombian midfielder Richard Ríos from Palmeiras, after Roma officially dropped out of the race. Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport reported this morning that Roma had submitted an improved offer on Monday night but still fell short of Palmeiras’ €30 million asking price. The Brazilian club have remained firm on that valuation throughout the negotiations, refusing to budge despite multiple approaches from the Serie A side.

However, it’s not just the transfer fee that caused things to unravel for Roma. According to the report, the Giallorossi have become increasingly frustrated with Ríos himself. Initially, the 25-year-old midfielder had agreed to the move to the Italian capital, only to backtrack in recent days — a decision that didn’t sit well with Roma. Roma have now shifted their focus and have quickly moved to finalize a deal for Moroccan midfielder Neil El Aynaoui instead. The 22-year-old was already on their radar, and Ríos’ sudden change of heart pushed the Italian club to wrap things up swiftly. El Aynaoui is expected to be officially announced as a Roma player shortly. 

Meanwhile, this situation has opened the door wide for Benfica to swoop in. The Portuguese giants have been monitoring Ríos for weeks, and with Roma now out of the picture, negotiations with Palmeiras are expected to accelerate. There’s growing confidence in Portugal that a deal will be sealed soon. 

Interestingly, Roma still look likely to bring in one Brazilian talent this summer — Flamengo full-back Wesley. The 20-year-old is reportedly eager to join Gian Piero Gasperini at the Stadio Olimpico. Unlike Ríos, Wesley is said to be fully committed to the move and personal terms have already been discussed.  

As for Ríos, his stock has been steadily rising after standout performances in both Brazil’s domestic league and the FIFA Club World Cup. That form hasn’t gone unnoticed. Inter Milan were also tracking the Colombian earlier in the summer, with reports suggesting they saw him as a possible replacement for Hakan Çalhanoğlu if the Turkish midfielder left for Galatasaray. However, Çalhanoğlu has since decided to stay at Inter, which put an end to their interest in Ríos. 

Despite Ríos having a massive €100 million release clause in his Palmeiras contract, the club have indicated they’re willing to let him go for far less — but only if their minimum valuation of €30 million is met. Benfica seem willing to play ball, and with Roma out of the picture and Inter stepping away, the Portuguese side now look set to land one of South America’s most promising midfielders. 

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