Richard Rios to join Al-Ittihad on private flight ahead of Al-Nassr clash

Al-Ittihad have announced the signing of Colombian midfielder Richard Rios from Portuguese club Benfica, with the player set to arrive in Jeddah by private jet as he prepares to feature in Saturday’s Saudi Pro League meeting with Al-Nassr.

Rios will join Al-Ittihad for one season in a deal worth €3m. According to Saudi newspaper Okaz, the 25-year-old is due to land in Jeddah on Thursday before completing the formalities of his move to the club.

The report says Rios will take part in Al-Ittihad’s training sessions and is expected to start in Saturday’s classico against Al-Nassr. The match will be his immediate target as the club seeks to strengthen its midfield during the final days of the Saudi transfer window.

The summer transfer window in the Saudi Pro League closes on 6 September, leaving Al-Ittihad limited time to complete any further business.

The club are looking to reinforce the centre of the pitch following the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, who recently joined Turkish side Trabzonspor.

Al-Ittihad had also been reported to be interested in signing Al Ahly midfielders Imam Ashour and Marwan Attia. However, both players have extended their contracts with Al Ahly until 2030, ending speculation over possible moves away from the club.

Rios has been with Benfica since the summer of 2025, having moved to the Portuguese side from Brazilian club Palmeiras.

Before leaving Palmeiras, he faced Al Ahly in the group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup. The Brazilian side won that match 2-0, with Rios featuring against the Egyptian club.

His arrival at Al-Ittihad represents a further midfield adjustment after Fabinho’s departure. The club’s decision to bring in Rios for one season comes as the side prepares for one of its most prominent domestic fixtures, with Al-Nassr providing the opposition on Saturday.

The Colombian is expected to join his new team immediately after arriving in Jeddah on Thursday, giving him only a short period to train with his team-mates before the fixture. According to the Okaz report, that limited preparation time will not prevent him from being named in the starting line-up for the meeting with Al-Nassr.