Everton join Premier League race for Benfica midfielder Richard Ríos

Everton have emerged as the latest Premier League club to show interest in Benfica midfielder Richard Ríos, with fresh reports from Italy suggesting competition for the Colombian international is continuing to intensify.

The 26-year-old has attracted attention from across Europe in recent weeks, with Manchester United, Fulham and Bournemouth all previously linked. Napoli, however, are still believed to be leading the chase should Benfica decide to entertain offers.

According to Italian journalist Salvatore Ferrante, Everton have now joined Fulham and Bournemouth in monitoring Ríos ahead of a potential move this summer.

While Fulham have featured regularly in reports from Portugal, Colombia and Italy, Everton's interest has only recently emerged, highlighting the growing admiration for the midfielder across the Premier League.

At this stage, though, there is no indication that any English club has progressed beyond initial enquiries.

The latest report also claims that, if Ríos leaves Benfica, his preferred destination would be Napoli because of the opportunity to play UEFA Champions League football.

That preference could prove significant if the Italian club decide to formalise their interest later in the transfer window.

Previous reports suggested the Colombian was content in Lisbon and was not actively seeking a transfer. However, Benfica's managerial change may influence the situation, with Marco Silva now leading the Portuguese champions following José Mourinho's departure.

Having followed Benfica's transfer policy in recent seasons, the club have consistently resisted pressure to sell key players unless their valuation is met. That negotiating stance is unlikely to change in Ríos' case.

Benfica remain under no pressure to cash in on the midfielder.

Ríos is under contract until 2030 and is protected by a reported €100 million release clause, giving the Portuguese club complete control over any negotiations.

Club officials are understood to be relaxed about the situation and have repeatedly indicated they would only consider selling if an exceptional offer arrived.

The expectation had been that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would significantly increase the midfielder's market value. While Ríos has largely featured as a substitute during the tournament, interest from clubs across Europe has remained strong.

However, it remains too early to determine whether any interested side is prepared to approach Benfica's valuation.

Everton's emergence adds another club to an increasingly competitive race.

Fulham and Bournemouth continue to monitor developments, while Manchester United have also been credited with interest earlier in the window.

For Everton, adding a technically gifted and energetic midfielder would align with the club's ambition to strengthen the squad ahead of the new Premier League season, although convincing Ríos to choose Merseyside over Champions League football could prove challenging.

Benfica are expected to maintain their firm stance unless a significant offer is received during the transfer window.

Napoli could accelerate negotiations if they decide to pursue the Colombian formally, while Everton and the Premier League clubs interested in Ríos may have to decide whether to test Benfica's resolve with concrete bids in the coming weeks.

Would Richard Ríos be a statement signing for Everton, or is a move to Champions League football with Napoli the more likely outcome?