Al-Ittihad close to sealing loan deal for Benfica’s Richard Ríos

Colombian midfielder Richard Ríos of Portugal’s Benfica is close to joining Al-Ittihad on loan, with the deal expected to be finalized before the transfer window closes, according to CNN Portugal and Fabrizio Romano.

According to Romano, Al-Ittihad will pay €4 million for the loan and cover the player’s full salary. The agreement reportedly does not include an option to buy.

Al-Ittihad are currently working to convince the 27-year-old Ríos to complete the move, while Benfica hope to finalize the deal before the window shuts.

Ríos’ departure comes after his role at Benfica diminished under coach Marco Silva, losing his place in the starting lineup and featuring mainly as a substitute, with just six appearances so far this season.

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CNN Portugal reported that Ríos is open to the move, and his transfer to Saudi Arabia is now expected. The loan will not include a purchase option, meaning he will return to Benfica in June before his future is reassessed in 2027.

Ríos joined Benfica a year ago from Palmeiras for €27 million, scoring eight goals and providing six assists in 45 appearances across all competitions during his first season.