When Fabrizio Romano uttered those three immortal words on Wednesday – ‘here we go’ – West Ham United appeared to take one big step towards a much-needed marquee signing.
Now, the Hammers were absent from Fabrizio Romano’s post.
But, as FC Porto secure Al Ahli star Gabri Veiga, there remains a sneaking suspicion that all roads may be clear for West Ham United to sign another of the finest midfield talents outside of European football.
Despite reportedly becoming available at a bargain £25 million, talks between Porto and Palmeiras broke down towards the end of May.
As such, after Graham Potter and Kyle Macaulay placed Richard Rios near the top of their summer wishlist, per UOL, West Ham’s biggest challengers for the Colombia international’s signature have exited stage left.
Brazilian reporter gives West Ham United hope in Richard Rios chase
Richard Rios, approaching his peak at the age of 25, has appeared ripe for a move to a major European league for quite a while now.
Manchester United were heavily linked last year.
In fact, Brazilian reporter Rogerio Amaral exclusively told United in Focus that ‘aside from dribbling, [Richard Rios’] strengths are his speed in decision-making, good passing, and intensity without the ball’.
Like another of their top targets Raphael Onyedika – West Ham are progressing in talks with Club Brugge as the £20 million Nigerian holds out for the Premier League – Rios is a midfielder at the peak of his powers.
Another who would bring serious technical qualities but also some much-needed energy to a one-paced Hammers midfield.
Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola provided an update on Rios’ situation this week. He believes that West Ham will have to wait until mid-July with Palmeiras reluctant to let their prized asset go before the Club World Cup comes to an end.
Provided the Brazilian giants reach the latter stages of the tournament, of course.
West Ham face a tense wait to find out Colombia star’s fate
President Leila Pereira would ideally like to retain Rios until the end of 2025. But, with Palmeiras already planning to reinvest a potential £25 million windfall in bringing Esequiel Barco to the Allianz Parque from Spartak Moscow, there certainly appears to be plenty of wriggle room in negotiations.
“Leila Pereira has already stated that under no circumstances will any of their top players leave before the [Club World Cup],” Nicola explains.
“Leila’s idea is to keep the squad [together] until December, with the exception of Estevao who has already been negotiated with Chelsea.
“[But] there are already people guaranteeing that, if Palmeiras sell Richard Rios, the club will use that money to sign Esequiel Barco.”
A more attack-minded player than the deep-lying Onyedika, the silky but steely Richard Rios has won the Brazilian Serie A twice in his young career already. Once with Flamengo and once with current employers Palmeiras.
And while a rare sight on the scoreboard, when Rios does find the back of the net, he tends to do so in pretty spectacular fashion.
“Richard is a versatile player who can fit into several roles in midfield,” explains Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira. “His ability to both defend and attack makes him a valuable asset for any team.”
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