Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have failed in their attempt to lure midfield star Richard Rios, who has ended up joining Benfica.
According to a report from Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Richard Rios turned down the opportunity to move to the Premier League as he finalised his £25 million move to SL Benfica last Tuesday. Manchester United and Tottenham were both keen on signing him and even held talks to bring him to England, but the Colombian international decided to join the Portuguese giants instead.
Rios made quite a name for himself while playing for Palmeiras. During his spell at the Brazilian club, the 25-year-old defensive midfielder was involved in a total of 138 matches, and he even contributed towards 21 goals.
While Richard Rios prefers playing in the holding role, he is capable enough to feature anywhere in midfield. The player is widely regarded as one of the best South American midfielders, and multiple top clubs across Europe were keen on his signature.
Premier League giants fail to sign Rios
Rios’s ability to help dictate the pace of the game, ball control and positions make him an ideal fit for the majority of the big clubs. Premier League giants Manchester United and Tottenham were both interested in signing the 25-year-old.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur did hold talks with Richard Rios in recent weeks. While neither of them tabled an official offer, they were discussing personal terms with the South American sensation.
The Red Devils are looking for a more athletic option in the centre of the park as Ruben Amorim wants to strengthen his options for the double pivot role. Amidst uncertainties around Kobbie Mainoo’s long-term future, Rios could have been an ideal fit for his system. However, having missed out on him, they will most likely go all out to sign Javi Guerra.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are also looking for a new number six. They were interested in signing Richard Rios back in January and did revive their pursuit this summer. But Spurs have failed to convince him, and they are now focused on securing the services of Bayern Munich outcast Joao Palhinha.
While Rios was well aware of interest from the English giants, he still instructed his agents to help him secure a move to Benfica instead. The Portuguese giants completed the move last Tuesday after they agreed to pay just over £25 million for the Colombian international.
