Rios targeted by Benfica in new and biggest threat to Roma

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Susy Campanale | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 2:28 PM ET

Sportitalia report that Benfica are the biggest threat to Roma for Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, today offering €25m plus add-ons and agreeing personal terms.

It still probably won’t be enough to convince Palmeiras, who set the asking price at €30m plus add-ons.

However, Benfica do represent the biggest threat to Roma in this race, as it is reported Rios would give the all-clear to joining the Portuguese club if an agreement were to be reached, having already accepted basic personal terms.

Roma target Rios tempted by Benfica

Palmeiras have already rejected a €25m bid from Wolverhampton Wanderers and €26m from Nottingham Forest.

There had been some suggestions in Brazilian media today that the Roma offer would reach €28m plus €3m in bonuses, but Benfica represent genuine competition for Rios, who had seemed frankly unimpressed with the two Premier League proposals.

Now it is up to the Giallorossi to raise their game and put in a new proposal, because it has turned into a genuine bidding war.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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