Benfica open to Richard Ríos sale amid Manchester United interest

Manchester United could receive encouragement in their long-standing interest in Richard Ríos after fresh reports in Portugal suggested Benfica are becoming increasingly open to selling the Colombian midfielder this summer.

For several weeks, Benfica’s position had appeared relatively firm. The Portuguese club were reportedly reluctant to discuss a transfer below premium valuation levels and viewed the 2026 World Cup as an opportunity to potentially increase the player's market value even further.

According to A Bola, however, financial realities may now be changing that position.

Benfica are preparing for an important summer rebuild and uncertainty around Champions League qualification is reportedly forcing internal discussions around player sales.

Ríos has now emerged as one of the key names under consideration.

Previous reports had indicated Benfica would only entertain “irresistible” proposals for the midfielder.

The latest information suggests a more flexible approach is now developing internally.

A Bola claim Benfica would be willing to analyse offers exceeding €30 million (£26 million), a notable reduction compared to the €100 million (£87 million) release clause contained within Ríos' contract.

That does not necessarily mean Benfica are actively pushing the player toward the exit door.

Instead, it appears the club are balancing long-term valuation ambitions with more immediate financial considerations.

Having followed Benfica's transfer strategy closely in recent seasons, player sales have repeatedly been a crucial part of sustaining investment across the squad.

The difference here is that Ríos was not previously viewed as one of the more likely departures.

The most interesting aspect of the situation may be Benfica’s changing calculation around timing.

From the final months of their season, the club still appear convinced that a strong World Cup campaign with Colombia could potentially increase Ríos' value significantly next year.

However, waiting comfortably for that possibility may not be financially realistic.

A Bola repeatedly frames Benfica’s transfer plans around creating liquidity before reinvesting in the squad.

That explains why there now appears to be greater willingness to consider serious proposals this summer rather than holding firmly to maximum valuation targets.

However, it remains too early to conclude Manchester United are preparing immediate action.

Interest and monitoring are not always followed by formal negotiations.

Still, if Premier League clubs decide to move aggressively, Benfica now seem more willing to listen than they did only a few weeks ago.

Manchester United’s midfield priorities are expected to become clearer once summer planning accelerates, while Benfica will continue evaluating their financial position.

If formal interest develops, the coming weeks could reveal whether monitoring turns into negotiations.

Would Richard Ríos be the right addition for Manchester United’s midfield rebuild?