AS Roma`s reluctance to finalize a €30 million bid for Richard Rios has created an opening for Benfica, who are now poised to meet Palmeiras` asking price and secure the deal. Despite ongoing negotiations and multiple offers submitted to the Brazilian club, Roma consistently fell short of the known €30 million valuation.
As of July 18, the Giallorossi have failed to reach the crucial €30 million threshold that would have quickly sealed the transfer. The required sum, which would have closed the agreement in minutes, was never matched by the Italian club.
Roma`s Missed Opportunity for Rios
This prolonged hesitation has allowed Benfica to swoop in, aiming to snatch Rios from Roma`s grasp. The Portuguese club has already secured personal terms with the midfielder and is now focused on finalizing the transfer agreement with Palmeiras. Benfica successfully persuaded Rios that their club was the ideal destination, a commitment Roma was unwilling to match. A key factor in this was a direct phone conversation between Rios and Benfica`s director, Manuel Rui Costa.
In other transfer news for Roma, Neil El Aynaoui is expected to undergo his medical this weekend, following the club`s agreement of a €25 million deal (including add-ons) with RC Lens.
