# Richard Ríos joins Al-Ittihad on loan from Benfica

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/richard-ros-tenure-at-benfica
> Updated: 2026-09-01T15:55:16.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 5.

Colombian midfielder Richard Ríos began his second season with Portuguese club Benfica, where he was expected to play a key role in both the Primeira Liga and the Europa League under coach Marco Silva. During the season's start, Ríos shared the dressing room with fellow Colombian forward Jhon Durán, following their joint appearance in a 5-0 victory over St. Gallen.

However, shortly after the season's start, Benfica placed Ríos on its transfer list as part of a broader effort to balance the club's finances. The club is reportedly seeking to generate approximately €60 million in sales, with Ríos valued between €40 million and €45 million. While interest was noted from Newcastle United, Napoli, AS Roma, and Galatasaray, no permanent sale was finalized during the initial pursuit.

In a recent development, Benfica has finalized a loan deal for Ríos to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad for the 2026-2027 season. The agreement does not include a purchase option, ensuring Ríos remains a Benfica player through 2030. Al-Ittihad is expected to pay approximately €3 million for the loan and will cover his full salary. 

Alongside this move, Benfica has also secured Argentine midfielder Claudio Echeverri on loan from Manchester City for the 2026/27 season, an agreement that includes a potential purchase option of up to €15 million.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: SL Benfica announces Richard Ríos loan to Al-Ittihad and Echeverri signing

SL Benfica has announced the loan of Colombian midfielder Richard Ríos to Al-Ittihad and the arrival of Argentine Claudio Echeverri on loan from Manchester City.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/richard-ros-joins-al-ittihad-on-loan

### 2026-08-28: Galatasaray targets Benfica midfielder Richard Ríos

Galatasaray is pursuing a transfer for Benfica midfielder Richard Ríos, with the Portuguese club seeking a fee of at least 35 million euros.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/galatasaray-targets-benfica-midfielder-richard-ros

### 2026-08-24: AS Roma pursues Richard Ríos from Benfica

AS Roma is attempting to sign Colombian midfielder Richard Ríos from Benfica, though high valuation demands from the Portuguese club remain a primary obstacle.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/as-roma-pursues-richard-ros-from-benfica

### 2026-08-07: Benfica lists Richard Ríos for transfer to balance finances

Benfica has listed Colombian midfielder Richard Ríos for transfer to balance club finances, seeking a sale price of up to €45 million amid interest from Italian and English clubs.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benfica-lists-richard-ros-for-transfer-to-balance-finances

### 2026-08-01: Richard Rios starts second season with Benfica

Richard Ríos begins his second season at Benfica, aiming for a regular starting role and partnering with fellow Colombian Jhon Durán as the club targets success in the Europa League and Primeira Liga.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/richard-rios-starts-second-season-with-benfica

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Cite as: Richard Ríos joins Al-Ittihad on loan from Benfica. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/richard-ros-tenure-at-benfica