Everton's €100m gamble: chasing Benfica's midfield star

Everton have entered the race for 26‑year‑old Richard Ríos, the Benfica midfielder whose contract runs to 2030 and carries a €100 million (£87 million) release clause, making any potential deal a significant financial gamble for the Merseyside side. The club have joined Bournemouth and Fulham in showing interest in Ríos, yet there is still little evidence any English side has progressed beyond the enquiry stage.

Napoli appear best placed in the pursuit, with Ferrante stating that if Richard Ríos does leave Benfica, his preferred destination would be Napoli because of the opportunity to play Champions League football. This underscores how top‑level European competition can shape a player's decision.

Benfica have made clear they would only consider selling if an offer was deemed irresistible, emphasizing that they remain in complete control of Ríos's future. The midfielder is under contract until 2030 and carries a €100 million release clause, a figure that sets a high bar for any suitor.

Ríos is an international midfielder at a major Portuguese club and ticks obvious boxes that attract Premier League attention. Earlier reports suggested he was settled in Lisbon and valued working under José Mourinho, adding to his appeal.

Everton need more quality in the middle of the pitch, and the £87 million figure is colossal for the club. Supporters want ambition, and the club’s mention in these conversations signals a willingness to target higher‑profile players.

While interest from several clubs is growing, Benfica are under no pressure to sell, meaning the market remains cautious. The expensive price tag makes the signing a costly proposition, even as clubs across Europe monitor the situation.