Roma set to lose out on Palmeiras star Rios as Benfica close deal

Originally posted on Football Italia | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 8:24 AM ET

Roma are set to miss out on the signing of Palmeiras star Richard Rios, who is instead close to completing a deal to join Benfica in the Portuguese Primera Division instead.

Rios set to join Benfica over Roma

Football Italia understands that there is little left before a deal between Benfica and Palmeiras for Rios is completed. The Brazilian side are set to receive a fee that could exceed the €30m mark.

The €30m transfer fee was the same as the price tag that was cited to Roma when they made an approach to sign the 25-year-old Colombia international. The Giallorossi, however, did not come to an agreement.

While Benfica had not even been mentioned in certain reports relating to Rios in recent days, it is understood that the Portuguese club have had representatives on the ground in Brazil for several days, rather than hours, in an attempt to get the deal done.

Benfica are now on the verge of getting the final green light from Palmeiras to complete the deal.

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

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