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Marco Bello-Reuters via Imagn Images

Nottingham Forest make contact with Tottenham target impressing at the Club World Cup

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 4:09 PM ET

Tottenham target Richard Rios wanted by Nottingham Forest

Tottenham Hotspur have already turned the loan deals for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso into permanent acquisitions, and they are now closing in on the signing of highly-rated Japanese defender Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale.

Spurs faced problems in almost every area of the pitch this past season. Persistent injury problems and lack of stability led to them finishing an embarrassing 17th in the Premier League table. So, they clearly need a lot more than just Takai to become a bit competitive in the Premier League.

It is quite important for the Lilywhites to bring in new midfielders that fit into Thomas Frank’s system. Given the Dane’s preference for athletic, robust and tenacious midfielders, Daniel Levy must recruit accordingly in this transfer window. However, the North Londoners need to cash in on underperforming players before adding new faces to the squad.

Yves Bissouma has underperformed at the club for the best part of three years, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him being cashed in as he enters the final year of his contract next month. In terms of potentially replacing Bissouma, Spurs have set their sights on Palmeiras star Richard Rios.

Richard Rios has been starring at the Club World Cup in America. He started all three of Palmeiras’ group-stage matches as they finished top of their group to set up a last-16 clash against fellow Brazilian side Botafogo. Due to his all-action displays at the heart of Palmeiras’ midfield, the Colombia international has attracted plenty of interest from the Premier League and across Europe.

Barring Tottenham from the Premier League, Nottingham Forest have shown an interest in Rios. As per reputed journalist Ben Jacobs, Nottingham Forest have made contact with Palmeiras over a potential move for the central midfielder, while Tottenham remain in the race.

“At the moment he’s only focused on the Club World Cup and he’s been fantastic, we’re definitely seeing growing interest as a consequence,” Ben Jacobs said on The United Stand.

“Nottingham Forest are the only Premier League team I know who have actually made contact on the player’s side. If he continues to perform and put himself in the shop window there will be other clubs, Manchester United could be one of them.

“Tottenham are another club to watch, PSG really like the player too.”

A player of Rios’ profile would appeal to the new Tottenham boss, but it is Forest who have made a concrete effort to sign the Palmeiras man. The Tricky Trees will play in the UEFA Europa Conference League next season and are building a strong side to compete on all fronts.

Tottenham, on the other hand, are back with the big boys in the Champions League after a three-year absence. Competing in the Champions League should ideally be more attractive for Rios than playing in the Conference League. And Spurs could use the new project under Frank as a tool to tempt the South American to North London.

But for that to happen, Tottenham must up their ante and make an approach for Rios, who could be available for north of €25m this summer.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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