Bournemouth have been handed another opportunity to sign Richard Ríos before the transfer window closes, with Benfica now open to selling the midfielder.
Multiple sources from Colombia have reported interest from the Cherries in recent weeks. The Portuguese media are now confirming and corroborating those claims, while adding important details about Benfica’s position.
Monday’s edition of A Bola says Ríos can leave Lisbon this summer. Record also presents Bournemouth as a viable destination for the 26-year-old.
There is no formal offer yet, although another report in Portugal says one could arrive from Bournemouth in the coming days.
Benfica open the door – Ríos wants Premier League
The situation has moved on considerably since then. Benfica paid Palmeiras €27m (£23.4m) for Ríos last summer and still consider him an important player. However, they are now prepared to negotiate his departure for the right amount.
There are slightly different figures being reported in Portugal. A Bola says Benfica would consider a high offer above €30m (£26m). Correio da Manhã puts their starting point at €40m (£34.7m).
A loan could also be considered, although Benfica would want a purchase clause included in any such agreement.
There is encouragement for Bournemouth from the player’s side too. Record report Ríos has turned down the possibility of joining Getafe because his preference is the Premier League. O Jogo had already explained that approaches from Spain and Germany had failed to convince him.
His representatives are aware of interest from English clubs and are waiting to see what happens during the closing days of the window. Another Portuguese report says Ríos’ agents are currently in Portugal dealing with his future and the possibility of a transfer.
Actually, they were in Germany last week and visited Italy earlier. So seems like they’re in some kind of Eurotrip looking for suitors.
Palhinha arrival changes everything
Benfica’s willingness to listen has a clear sporting explanation. Ríos has started only one of their six matches this season. Marco Silva has preferred Enzo Barrenechea and Leandro Barreiro in midfield. Fredrik Aursnes has just returned from his fitness problems, adding another option.
More importantly, João Palhinha is expected to complete his move from Bayern Munich in the coming days. The Portugal international will arrive expecting to challenge immediately for a starting place.
That leaves Ríos facing a crowded midfield despite an excellent 2025/26 campaign. He finished last season with eight goals and six assists from 45 appearances.
One report says Marco Silva would like to keep the Colombian. The manager also understands the situation and knows Ríos could leave before the deadline.
A sale would allow Benfica to recover their considerable investment and make a profit while also reducing their wage bill.
Bournemouth already have a route into Benfica
Bournemouth’s appearance in the picture is interesting given their recent business with the Lisbon club. The Cherries signed António Silva from Benfica for €25m (£21.7m) earlier this summer. Ríos could therefore follow the defender to England only weeks later.
As we know, this is also not the first time Bournemouth have looked at the midfielder. A Bola confirmed it.
But for now, the Portuguese media stress negotiations have not started and no formal proposal has arrived. What has become clear is that Benfica are willing to do business, Ríos is attracted by the Premier League and his representatives are working on his future.
Those three factors give Bournemouth considerably more room to turn their interest into something concrete before the window shuts.
