Richard Ríos Transfer Battle: FC Porto and Benfica Face Off for Palmeiras Star Amid €30M Demand
Colombian midfielder becomes hot property in Europe after Club World Cup showcase
The summer transfer window continues to heat up, and one of the names currently shaking up the European market is Richard Ríos, a standout performer for Palmeiras and the Colombian national team. With interest flooding in from both Portugal and Italy, the 24-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after midfielders in this window.
FC Porto and Benfica in Tug-of-War for Richard Ríos
Portuguese giants FC Porto and Benfica are reportedly leading the race for Ríos, who impressed scouts with his physicality, control, and creativity in midfield especially during the recent Club World Cup.
- FC Porto made the first move with a €17 million bid, but Palmeiras immediately rejected the offer, holding firm on their €30 million valuation.
- According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Benfica is now preparing a €25 million bid plus €4 million in bonuses, which could get closer to satisfying the Brazilian club’s demands.
Palmeiras Firm on Price: €30M Fixed
Palmeiras has been uncompromising regarding Ríos’ price tag. Despite receiving multiple offers, the club insists on a €30 million guaranteed fee, rejecting:
- AS Roma’s €24M + bonuses
- Nottingham Forest’s initial offer
- Zenit St. Petersburg’s €30M proposal — rejected by Ríos himself
Fabrizio Romano reported that Ríos has already agreed personal terms with Roma, but the Italian club still hasn’t matched Palmeiras’ valuation.
Fabrizio Romano: “Zenit offered €30M, but Ríos said no. He wants Roma, but no deal with Palmeiras yet. Benfica also approached the player’s camp.”
🚨🇧🇷 EXCL: Zenit St Petersburg sent official bid for Richard Rios today worth €30m.
The player has rejected the proposal.
Rios said yes to AS Roma; no agreement Roma-Palmeiras yet as offer is €24m plus add ons, Brazilian club want €30m.
Benfica also approached his camp. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/JKKdWTvPaU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2025
Fierce Competition: Roma, Forest, Wolves, Zenit Also Interested
In addition to the Portuguese powerhouses, Serie A side Roma remains a strong contender, having already received the player’s approval. However, they remain €6 million short of Palmeiras’ fixed asking price.
Meanwhile, Premier League sides Wolverhampton and Nottingham Forest have both shown serious interest, with Forest expected to return with an improved bid. Zenit may have met the price, but the player reportedly does not want a move to Russia.
