Here at Sport Witness, we’re used to transfer sagas and clubs making a drama of things, and that’s certainly the case with Everton target Richard Ríos.
Journalist Nicola Jorge provides the latest on the Colombian today and how Palmeiras have now swung back to the other extreme on the player.
Ríos has earned himself a growing list of admirers after impressing at the Copa América this summer, playing a key role for Colombia as they made it to the final and were eventually beaten by Argentina.
Everton have been credited with an interest for some time as they continue rebuilding and have money and the need to sign a midfielder after selling Amadou Onana to Aston Villa.
The growing interest in the player has seen his value swaying wildly, initially starting at €25m before rocketing up to €100m when there was a very minor suggestion that Manchester United may be interested in him.
That latter figure is the value of the release clause in his contract, a number that absolutely nobody seems to believe that they will receive at any point, either now or in the future.
Palmeiras are willing to take the risk, though, at least according to Nicola, who says a decision has been made that should put rumours about a move to Everton or anywhere else to bed.
“Palmeiras made a decision in relation to Richard Ríos,” he said.
“In the last few days, Galatasaray made an offer of €25m. That’s a very good number, especially taking into account that Palmeiras spent €7.5m to have 70% of his economic rights.
“But the decision they took is that Richard Ríos will not be sold before the Super Club World Cup scheduled for July next year.
“The idea is to keep all starters so that Palmeiras can be as competitive as possible unless, in Ríos’ case, there is a proposal close to his termination clause which is €100m. No one will pay €100m for Richard Ríos.”
