Brazilian Midfielder Completes Move to Benfica in Landmark European Transfer
Brazilian midfielder Richard Rios has officially signed with Portuguese giants Benfica, completing a major step in his rapidly ascending career. The 24-year-old leaves Palmeiras after a standout season in Brazil’s Serie A and Copa Libertadores, and becomes one of Benfica’s most high-profile South American acquisitions in recent years. The transfer, reportedly valued at 12 million euros, reflects Benfica’s commitment to reinforcing its midfield with youthful energy and technical precision. Rios has been praised for his versatility, work rate, and intelligent positioning qualities that made him a standout at Palmeiras and a top target for European clubs throughout the summer transfer window. After weeks of negotiations, Benfica beat out interest from several Italian and Spanish clubs to secure his signature. The most talked about club looking for Rios was Roma, and unfortunately for them, Benfica won the transfer battle for his services.
Rios is expected to slot into Benfica’s midfield rotation immediately, with club sources indicating that he may debut during the early rounds of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. Manager Bruno Lage welcomed the new signing enthusiastically, praising Rios’ “maturity, tactical intelligence, and potential to grow in European football.” Benfica, which has traditionally scouted heavily in South America, sees Rios as part of its long-term core, particularly as the club continues to field interest from abroad for its other stars. The move to Europe marks a dramatic rise for Rios, who only two years ago was plying his trade in Brazil’s second division. His breakout campaign with Palmeiras in 2023, including strong performances in continental competition, caught the attention of scouts across Europe. While he never drew the headline hype of some of Brazil’s attacking exports, Rios has built his reputation on consistency, leadership, and high level decision making.
For Rios, joining Benfica offers more than a chance to play in Europe, it places him in the position to keep his form up for the Colombian National Team. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, a successful stint in Portugal’s top flight could be the platform he needs to earn senior international recognition for even bigger clubs in the future of his career. In his first remarks as a Benfica player, Rios thanked Palmeiras for their support and called the transfer “a dream come true,” promising to give his all for the club. Benfica fans, meanwhile, are eager to see their new signing in action. The club has enjoyed recent success developing South American talent, and expectations are high that Rios could follow in the footsteps of other players who used the Lisbon club as a springboard to top-tier European leagues. With Benfica’s domestic and continental campaigns set to begin in earnest over the coming weeks, Rios’s arrival could not come at a better time. The move adds further intrigue to Portugal’s Primeira Liga season and reinforces Benfica’s role as a gateway for South American talent to make a mark in European football.
