Manchester United and Fulham are both keeping a close eye on Richard Ríos, but the Benfica midfielder’s situation requires a wider look before jumping to conclusions.
The Colombian has become a regular presence in Lisbon this season, after Benfica beat Nottingham forest to his signing.
He has played 43 matches across all competitions. That includes 23 league appearances, alongside Champions League involvement, which naturally increases his visibility.
From a statistical perspective, there is a clear base to work with. That will have been noted by Manchester United and Fulham.
Ríos averages 2.34 shots per 90 minutes in Liga NOS, although his accuracy stands at 20%.
He has registered three league assists, while completing around 47 passes per match at an 85.59% success rate. In addition, he produces 0.80 key passes per game, with an expected assists figure of 0.19 per 90 – placing him above 83% of players in the competition.
Defensively, the numbers are encouraging. He wins 7.11 ground duels per 90, placing him in a very high percentile, and averages 2.06 tackles per 90.
His overall duel involvement shows a player comfortable in physical contests, which aligns with the demands of English football, another note for Manchester United and Fulham.
Add that to his unique flair and comfort on the ball. That combination explains why Premier League clubs are watching. Still, the picture is far from unanimous.
Portuguese debate highlights inconsistency
Richard Ríos has been the subject of debate in Portugal, especially regarding whether he has justified the investment made by Benfica.
“He has not lived up to the expectations and the value that was paid for him. That makes it very difficult to define a price,” said former Portuguese player Maniche on live TV.
The criticism extended beyond performances, will provide concern for Manchester United and Fulham.
“What I can say is that this is no longer only about what happens on the pitch, but also outside it. I cannot speak personally because I do not know the player, but I am simply passing on what I heard from Colombians I met recently,” he said.
“It seems unanimous that he has not been delivering, both on and off the pitch, probably due to a lack of maturity at this moment in Europe.”
At the same time, his physical profile continues to attract attention.
“In Italian and English football, the intensity is higher, there is more physicality, and he has those characteristics. Now he needs to improve other aspects.”
Another voice added context to his fluctuating form.
“When the collective does not work or works badly, or inconsistently, the players pay that price. And Ríos has paid that price.”
That inconsistency helps explain why interest exists without full conviction.
Benfica stance and Premier League interest
According to AS Colombia, Manchester United and Fulham are among the clubs who have shown interest, alongside sides in Italy. Napoli, Inter Milan and Roma are mentioned.
Manchester United and Fulham have ‘expressed interest’, so made contact regarding the transfer.
However, Benfica’s position is clear. Ríos is under contract until 2030, with a €100m (£87m) release clause. The club has no intention of selling unless an offer is considered irresistible.
The player’s own stance reinforces that. As told by O Jogo, he is settled in Lisbon and values working under José Mourinho. That stability reduces the likelihood of a forced move.
There is also a strategic layer. Benfica are aware that the 2026 World Cup could significantly increase his market value. As a result, they are prepared to wait rather than sell now.
What happens next
Both teams have been credited with interest for Richard Ríos in past windows. Fulham’s approaches goes back as far as late 2024, when he was about to break out in Brazil. As for United, the buzz started around the last Club World Cup, in which he featured playing for Palmeiras, but an offer did not materialised.
His profile did not change much. He fits a broader search for physical midfielders who can operate in intense systems. For both Manchester United and Fulham, it still aligns with their model of recruiting players with development potential but some European level pedigree.
Even so, neither club is in a position to dictate terms here. Benfica control the situation through contract length and valuation. The player is not pushing for a move. And while the statistical output shows a useful midfielder, the wider perception remains mixed.
That leaves this as a situation to monitor rather than one close to resolution. Movement may depend less on current form and more on what happens next summer, particularly if Ríos raises his level on the international stage.
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