Two Benfica Stars Already Stirring Transfer Market Interest

The season isn't over yet, but two Benfica players are already generating significant buzz in the transfer market: Richard Ríos and António Silva.

Ríos, the Colombian international midfielder, signed from Palmeiras last summer for €27 million, has been linked with interest from Italian and English clubs. In recent days, Richard Ríos has emerged as a potential target for Manchester United, with some sources in England suggesting United has already made inquiries with Benfica and the player's representatives.

As A BOLA previously reported, Benfica plans to keep Richard Ríos for the upcoming season. A transfer would only be considered for a substantial fee, well over €30 million. Formal discussions are unlikely to occur before this summer's World Cup, where Ríos could further boost his value playing for Colombia.

Regarding António Silva, reports from the Italian press on Thursday indicate that Juventus may reignite their previously expressed interest in the central defender. António Silva's contract with Benfica has only one season remaining. While the club's SAD (Sociedade Anónima Desportiva) has initiated renewal talks, significant progress has yet to be made. The risk of a free transfer at the end of next season could prompt Benfica to consider an immediate sale, even if the fee might be considered low for the 22-year-old academy product from Seixal.

Benfica aims to build a stronger squad to challenge for the championship in 2025/26, but they will also need to sell assets to reshape the team. Ríos and António Silva are already in the shop window, even before the 2024/25 season concludes.