Richard Rios says goodbyes as Everton transfer race concludes with ‘intense meetings’
Palmeiras star Richard Rios has been linked to Everton, and the race for his signature now appears to have concluded.
Rios has impressed in Brazil and has attracted interest from several huge European clubs as a result, with many keen on him following the FIFA Club World Cup.
Everton need reinforcements in the centre of the park, and the Colombian could be the ideal addition as an all-round midfielder bringing both tenacity and technique.
However, Rios has been coveted by other clubs, and an agreement is now close to being reached for his signature.
Benfica close to Rios agreement
The Friedkin Group own Roma as well as Everton, and the Italian giants were also keen on Rios, but he is now set to move to Portugal to play for Benfica.
Record Portugal (July 20, page 2) reports that the deal to bring the Palmeiras star to Benfica is almost completed, and he will join for around £24.2million, with Sunday set to be a day of farewells for Rios.
Rios reportedly ruled out a move to the Premier League when informed of Everton’s interest, and will now play in the UEFA Champions League with Benfica.
| Stat | Rios |
| Appearances | 137 |
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists | 10 |
After “intense meetings” between the two clubs, a deal has now been reached, with Rios set to fly to Lisbon imminently to finalise the move.
It is claimed that Roma “paved the way” for Rios to join Benfica, after weeks of negotiations lowered their asking price sufficiently for the Portuguese side to swoop in.
Everton need an alternative midfield solution
Rios could have been the solution for Moyes in midfield, following the departure of Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Everton’s squad depth is thin across the pitch, but the Toffees are particularly light in midfield, and a young but experienced option in Rios could have been the perfect profile to add to the squad.
While Iliman Ndiaye and Carlos Alcaraz can play in advanced roles, a two-way midfielder to slot in alongside Idrissa Gana Gueye or James Garner is needed this summer.
Rios thrives in dribbling, tackling, and in the final third, and could have developed into the complete midfielder at the Hill Dickinson Stadium next season, and an alternative is now necessary.
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