Why Richard Ríos is Making a Shock Move to Al-Ittihad

Benfica has finalized a surprising temporary departure for midfielder Richard Ríos, sending the Colombian star to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.

The move comes during a bustling European transfer window and marks a swift change of pace for the 26-year-old player, who arrived in Portugal with high expectations following a standout career path in South America.

What Happened

According to reports from A Bola, Al-Ittihad has secured Ríos on a loan deal covering a fee of 3 million euros (approximately 18 million Brazilian reais). As part of the agreement, the Saudi Arabian club will also take on 100% of the midfielder's full salary during his time abroad.

Crucially, the temporary transfer does not include a permanent purchase option. This strategic structuring means Benfica retains full control over the player's long-term contract, which runs through June 2030 and features a massive 100-million-euro release clause.

Why It Matters

The sudden exit is notable because Ríos was actively part of manager Marco Silva’s tactical plans for the current campaign. The Colombian international participated fully in pre-season training and saw competitive action in the opening official matches for the Portuguese powerhouse.

However, by offloading his wages temporarily, Benfica manages to optimize its short-term financial overhead. Ríos originally joined Benfica in 2025 following a high-profile stint with Brazilian giants Palmeiras, where his standout performances earned him a vital spot on the Colombia national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup cycle. Benfica had invested heavily in his signature, paying a hefty 27 million euros to bring him to European football.

For Al-Ittihad, acquiring a player of Ríos's caliber adds immediate dynamism and physical presence to their midfield without immediate long-term structural risks. Meanwhile, the player secures a lucrative short-term arrangement in one of the world's most heavily funded leagues.

What's Next

With the transfer window closing rapidly across Europe's top leagues, Ríos will travel to Saudi Arabia to integrate immediately into Al-Ittihad's squad. Because there is no buy-clause attached to the loan agreement, the midfielder is expected to return to Lisbon once the temporary spell concludes, leaving his ultimate long-term future in European football wide open as Benfica monitors his development abroad.