Here we go! Benfica midfielder makes shock deadline day move to Saudi Arabia
Saudi football has pulled off another headline signing on deadline day: Benfica's Colombian midfielder Richard Rios is heading to Al Ittihad.
Details: According to Fabrizio Romano, Al Ittihad have reached a full agreement with Benfica for the 26 year old midfielder. The deal is structured as a loan running until June 2027, with the Saudi club covering the main part of the player's salary and no buy option clause included. The green light for the signing is expected to follow next.
The move caps a whirlwind year for Rios, who only joined Benfica from Palmeiras in July 2025 for €27 million, penning a contract until 2030 with a €100 million release clause. In Lisbon he quickly became a key figure, scoring eight goals in 45 appearances across all competitions last season, but his situation shifted this summer: Benfica, now led by José Mourinho, set a €40 million price tag amid interest from Napoli, Manchester United and Fulham, while Besiktas also pushed hard in recent days. In the end, the Colombian international chose the Saudi project, where Al Ittihad are assembling a squad packed with European pedigree. For Benfica, the loan frees up significant salary space without losing the player permanently, since no purchase clause was included in the agreement.
It's worth noting that Rios is the second big name heading to the Saudi Pro League in the last 24 hours: Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has agreed a move to Al Hilal in a deal worth more than €65 million.
Reminder: Martinelli to leave Arsenal. Brazilian forward to join new club for €65 million.
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
