Al-Ittihad break unveiling tradition to bring in Richard Rios before Al-Nassr clash

Al-Ittihad have abandoned their customary Arabic coffee presentation to announce the signing of Benfica midfielder Richard Rios, using a Colombian coffee-themed video ahead of their Saudi Pro League meeting with Al-Nassr.

The Saudi club confirmed the arrival of the Colombia international early on Thursday, although they did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement.

Instead of the Arabic coffee traditionally used in Al-Ittihad’s transfer announcements, the club’s video showed a person asking for coffee and choosing a Colombian blend over Ethiopian and Costa Rican options.

After taking a sip, the footage cut to highlights of Rios playing for Benfica and the Colombia national team. The choice of coffee was a reference to the midfielder’s nationality, while also drawing on the strong reputation of Colombian coffee.

The unveiling marked a departure from Al-Ittihad’s usual approach. Arabic coffee is widely associated with hospitality in Saudi Arabia and has regularly featured when the club has introduced new signings.

Reports published before the announcement said Rios would join Al-Ittihad on a season-long loan from Benfica. The proposed agreement is understood to contain no option to buy, with the loan fee reported to be between 3m and 4m euros. Al-Ittihad are also expected to cover the player’s full salary.

Rios is the fourth midfielder signed by Al-Ittihad during the current summer transfer window. The other arrivals are Saudi players Rakan Kaabi from Al-Fayha and Mukhtar Ali from Al-Ettifaq, along with Senegal international Dion Lopy from Spanish club Almeria.

The 26-year-old is set to leave Benfica after just one season in Portugal. He joined the club during last summer’s transfer window from Brazilian side Palmeiras in a deal worth 16m euros.

Rios made 51 appearances for Benfica in all competitions during that campaign, scoring eight goals and providing six assists.

His arrival comes as Al-Ittihad prepare for a highly anticipated clash with Al-Nassr on Saturday. The match will be played in matchweek five of the Saudi Pro League, with a decision on whether Rios will be involved expected in the coming hours.

Al-Ittihad’s social media post was accompanied by the slogan: “الكولومبي يضبط مزاجـك 🧠ووسط ميـدانك 🐅”, which translates as: “The Colombian sets your mood and your midfield.”