Al-Ittihad lock in Richard Ríos on season‑long loan
Al-Ittihad announced on Thursday the arrival of 26‑year‑old Colombian midfielder Richard Ríos on a season‑long loan from Benfica, with the Saudi club paying a €3 million fee – roughly R$ 18 million – and covering his wages until the end of the 2026/27 campaign.
Loan terms and financials
The deal, reported by Esporte News Mundo, states that Os clubes agreed there is no option to buy, leaving Benfica in charge of Ríos’s registration throughout the loan. Al‑Ittihad will pay a €3 million fee – roughly R$ 18 million – and will shoulder the midfielder’s full salary for the duration.
Ríos joins the Saudi side on a loan that runs until the close of the 2026/27 season, after which he will return to Benfica. The club will therefore have him in its squad for the entire campaign.
Benfica originally secured Ríos from Palmeiras in 2025 for €27 million, about R$ 162 million, signing him to a contract that runs until 2030 and includes a €100 million release clause (approximately R$ 600 million). Benfica will retain his economic rights until the loan expires.
The 26‑year‑old Colombian midfielder first made his mark in Portuguese football after impressing at Palmeiras, where his performances attracted European interest. His rise in Brazil’s top flight paved the way for the move to Europe.
He also featured for Colombia at the 2026 World Cup, adding international experience to his résumé. His World Cup involvement helped raise his profile ahead of the move.
At Benfica, Ríos was listed among the options of coach Marco Silva, having taken part in pre‑season and being available for the early league fixtures. The midfielder remained on the bench for the first official matches of the season.
Implications for both clubs
The loan allows Benfica to temporarily ease the wage bill attached to Ríos, while Al‑Ittihad gains a player with European and World Cup experience for the season. The Saudi club will be responsible for the midfielder throughout the 2026/27 campaign.
Al‑Ittihad will integrate him into its squad for the season, completing the loan arrangement and giving the Colombian a new experience in Saudi football.