West Ham United are in the picture to sign Palmeiras’ Richard Ríos in the summer window, according to UOL.
The Colombia international’s performances for his club and country, especially during the 2024 Copa América, didn’t go unnoticed. He has attracted the attention of several clubs, including West Ham from England.
Ríos joined the Brazilian club in March 2023, and was rewarded for his performances with a new contract in September 2024.
Despite having a contract until December 2028, Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra stated the midfielder is living his “final hours at Palmeiras.”
UOL journalist Flavio Latif and Danilo Lavieri analysed Sierra’s claim and then gave their own take on Live do Clube.
Latif talks about West Ham’s interest and states it’s quite natural for the Hammers and others to look at the 24-year-old. He then insists it’s unlikely for the player to leave Palmeiras in the next window.
“This story disproves itself. How will Palmeiras accept an offer with the window closed? It doesn’t make much sense,” he said.
“It’s obvious that Ríos is a player who, since the Copa América, when he became a starter for Colombia, has caught the attention of many European clubs, such as West Ham and some Spanish clubs. It’s natural that this would happen.
“But Ríos renewed his contract, took the number 8 shirt, became an undisputed starter, despite his mistakes in the Paulistão, which is important. And we know what Palmeiras’ policy is regarding players who establish themselves on the team.”
Lavieri joined Latif in explaining why the Premier League club or any other team won’t be able to secure his services, at least in the upcoming window.
“There’s no chance of Ríos leaving before the World Cup, especially since the window is closed. But, even when it opens in the middle of the year, the agreement is that he stays until after the World Cup,” Lavieri explained.
Ríos made 20 appearances in all competitions for Palmeiras this year.
