Manchester United and Fulham are again being named in the growing list of clubs tracking Richard Ríos, as fresh reporting from Portugal adds more layers – and more confusion – to the Benfica midfielder’s situation.
We have covered recent claims from the Colombian press stating that both United and Fulham are among the clubs who have shown interest, alongside sides in Italy.
The 25-year-old has quietly built momentum in Lisbon. After a mixed start, he is now putting together consistent performances, including a goal and an assist in Benfica’s recent 4-1 win over Moreirense.
That form is helping keep him firmly on the radar ahead of the summer window. At the same time, the wider context around him continues to shift depending on the source.
Napoli scouting intensifies
According to O Jogo, Richard Ríos is now a priority target for Napoli. The Italian club have stepped up their interest by sending scouts to watch him multiple times in recent weeks.
Those observations include matches against Moreirense, Nacional and Sporting, with the midfielder playing a key role in all three. In the derby, he contributed to the winning goal, underlining his growing influence.
The report also backs up earlier claims that Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna has already made exploratory contacts for the player. However, there is still a clear gap in valuation.
Napoli were initially only willing to go to around €30m (£26m), while Benfica were already looking for more than €35m (£30m). That gap is now expected to widen further.
That is where English clubs come back into the picture. Manchester United and Fulham are both mentioned again – now in Portugal – as interested parties. However, as with previous reports, their involvement is described as tracking rather than acting decisively.
Contradictions around price and strategy
Richard Ríos’ case continues to be shaped by conflicting signals. On one hand, there are “some reports suggesting €45m range” and even claims that Fulham have already made contact. Napoli are also said to be considering a more formal approach.
On the other, the Portuguese press continues to point in a different direction.
Benfica’s stance remains firm. The club are not looking to sell cheaply and have protected the player with a €100m (£87m) release clause in his contract, which runs until 2030.
Internally, the message has been consistent – only an offer deemed “irresistible” would be considered.
The club believe the 2026 World Cup could significantly increase Ríos’ value. As a result, they are willing to wait rather than accept offers in the current €30m-€45m (£26m-£39m) range being discussed externally.
What happens next
The situation around Richard Ríos seems a bit contradictory, but very open. Napoli are increasing their scouting presence. Fulham are claimed to have made contact. Manchester United continue to watch from the background.
Yet Benfica are holding firm, the player is not pushing for a move (yet), and the World Cup looms as a major factor in future valuation.
That mix of interest and resistance is likely to keep this story moving – but without a quick resolution.
