SL Benfica announces Richard Ríos loan to Al-Ittihad and Echeverri signing

SL Benfica has finalized two significant player movements. Colombian midfielder Richard Ríos will join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad on loan for the 2026-2027 season. The deal includes no purchase option, meaning Ríos will remain a Benfica player through 2030. Al-Ittihad is expected to pay approximately 3 million euros for the loan and will cover his full salary.

Simultaneously, Benfica has secured Argentine midfielder Claudio Echeverri on loan from Manchester City for the 2026/27 season. The agreement includes a purchase option that could reach up to 15 million euros. Echeverri, who previously had loan spells at Bayer Leverkusen and Girona, will wear the number 30 shirt at the Portuguese club.