Bournemouth weigh €40m move for Benfica midfielder Richard Ríos

Bournemouth could submit an offer of about €40 million for Benfica midfielder Richard Ríos in the coming days. The 26-year-old Colombian is understood to favour a move to the Premier League as he considers his future before the transfer window closes.

No formal proposal has reached Benfica, but the Portuguese club are now prepared to discuss a sale for the right price. Reports in Portugal place that figure at more than €30m, with one valuation setting the starting point at €40m. Benfica could also consider a loan, provided it includes an obligation or option to buy.

Ríos has rejected the possibility of joining Getafe because of his preference for England. Previous approaches from Spain and Germany have not persuaded him, while his representatives are in Europe working on potential destinations. Interest from Bournemouth has been reported for several weeks, although negotiations have not yet begun.

Benfica paid Palmeiras €27m for Ríos last summer and still regard him as an important player. His position has become less secure because he has started only one of the club’s six matches this season. Enzo Barrenechea and Leandro Barreiro have been preferred in midfield, while Fredrik Aursnes has returned from fitness problems and João Palhinha is expected to join from Bayern Munich.

The Colombian enjoyed a strong 2025/26 campaign, recording eight goals and six assists in 45 appearances. Benfica coach Marco Silva would like to retain him but recognises that the crowded midfield could lead to a departure. Selling Ríos would also allow the club to recover its investment and reduce its wage commitments.

Bournemouth already have a recent link with Benfica after signing António Silva for €25m earlier this summer. The Cherries have also monitored Ríos previously, but any move would now need to develop quickly. Bournemouth are 13th in the Premier League after losing their only 2026 match 2-1, while their recent form before that defeat included wins over Fulham, Crystal Palace and FC St. Pauli, plus draws with Nottingham Forest and Manchester City.