Al Ittihad agree Richard Rios loan from Benfica ahead of Al Nassr clash

Al Ittihad have reached an agreement to sign Benfica midfielder Richard Rios on loan, strengthening their squad just days before facing their traditional rivals Al Nassr in the first Saudi Arabian classico of the new season.

The Colombia international is expected to join the Jeddah club for the remainder of the current summer transfer window, with the move reported to be a season-long loan worth between 3m and 4m euros. Al Ittihad will cover the player’s salary in full and the agreement will not include an option for Benfica to buy him back.

The deal was revealed by ESPN 96 hours before Al Ittihad’s meeting with Al Nassr. The match will take place on Saturday at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah, with the two sides meeting in the fifth round of the Roshn Saudi League.

🚨🟡⚫️ Al Ittihad have agreed deal to sign Richard Rios, here we go!Loan deal from Benfica until June 2027 with main part of salary covered, no buy option clause. Green light to sign next. 🇸🇦pic.twitter.com/LfQT6F3J60

Rios’ arrival reflects Al Ittihad’s continued efforts to add another midfielder after the club missed out on several targets in recent weeks. The latest failure came in their attempt to sign Emam Ashour, the Egypt international who plays for Al Ahly.

The 26-year-old will become the third central midfielder recruited by Al Ittihad during this summer’s transfer window. The club have already brought in Senegal international Dion Lopy from Spanish side Almeria and Saudi midfielder Rakan Kaabi from Al-Fayha.

Rios joined Benfica only last summer, moving to the Portuguese club from Brazilian side Palmeiras in a transfer worth 16m euros. He spent one season with Benfica before agreeing to leave on loan for Al Ittihad.

During his time in Portugal, Rios made 51 appearances in all competitions. He scored eight goals and provided six assists, establishing himself as an important option in Benfica’s midfield.

His proposed move comes at a significant moment for Al Ittihad, who are preparing for one of the most anticipated fixtures on their early-season schedule. The club will face Al Nassr on Saturday, with the new signing expected to provide additional depth in midfield as the Jeddah side continues its summer recruitment.

The agreement with Benfica gives Al Ittihad a further option in the centre of the pitch without a permanent buy-back provision for the Portuguese club. The loan is due to run until June 2027, according to the transfer update, while the financial terms reported by ESPN place the cost of the move at between 3m and 4m euros.