Richard Rios, a prominent midfielder who had been a long-standing transfer target for Roma, is scheduled to depart tonight from Palmeiras. His destination is Lisbon, where he will undergo medical tests to finalize a €30 million transfer to Benfica.
The Giallorossi, Roma`s nickname, were reportedly close to acquiring Rios but ultimately declined to meet Palmeiras`s firm valuation of €30 million. Their maximum offer reportedly stood at €25 million, complemented by performance-based add-ons.
This financial disparity proved to be the deciding factor, as it was insufficient to sway the Brazilian club. In contrast, Benfica not only matched the asking price but also successfully negotiated favorable personal terms with the 25-year-old player, significantly increasing his enthusiasm for the move.
Benfica`s Offer Secures Rios Transfer from Palmeiras
Beyond Roma, several other prominent European clubs, including Inter Milan, Nottingham Forest, and Zenit St. Petersburg, had also expressed interest in Rios. The Colombian international, who boasts 21 senior caps for his country, particularly impressed scouts and fans alike with his performances for Palmeiras during the FIFA Club World Cup.
Earlier today, visual evidence surfaced showing the midfielder at Sao Paulo airport, preparing for his flight to Lisbon. He was accompanied by Benfica`s Director of Sport, Rui Pedro Braz, underscoring the advanced stage of the transfer proceedings.
Despite their strong initial links to Rios, Roma ultimately shifted their focus and finalized a deal for Neil El Aynaoui from RC Lens instead.
The transfer for El Aynaoui was officially completed yesterday. The agreement is reportedly valued at €23.5 million, with an additional €1.5 million in performance-related add-ons, and also includes a clause entitling RC Lens to a percentage of any future sell-on fee for the player.
