Richard Rios Emerges as Inter’s €30m Midfield Target

Richard Rios has suddenly found himself on the radar of one of Europe’s most strategic recruiters. After illuminating the FIFA Club World Cup with Palmeiras, the 23-year-old Colombian now sits high on Inter Milan’s January wishlist, and the Nerazzurri believe they can prise him away for around €30 million—despite a headline €100m release clause. Below, we dissect why the San Siro hierarchy are so keen, how the numbers might work, and whether Rios really is the missing piece in Simone Inzaghi’s title puzzle.

Richard Rios: From Flamengo Cast-Off to Palmeiras Pillar

Born in Medellín, Richard Rios was plucked from futsal and handed a Flamengo scholarship in 2019. A knee injury and stiff competition curtailed his rise in Rio de Janeiro, yet a move to Guarani revived his trajectory. Palmeiras pounced in 2022, and within a year Rios had evolved into Abel Ferreira’s press-resistant midfield motor. His athletic frame, crisp passing range and knack for long-range strikes were on global display during Palmeiras’ bronze-medal run at the Club World Cup, catching Inter scouts’ attention.

Inter’s Midfield Agenda and Why Richard Rios Fits

Inter may top Serie A, but depth behind Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan remains thin. In particular, Inzaghi craves a dual-function midfielder who can screen the back three and surge forward with possession. Richard Rios offers exactly that, blending a 6’s defensive nous with an 8’s verticality. Data from Wyscout highlights 7.9 defensive duels per 90 minutes in Brazil’s Série A, a 63% success rate, plus 5.4 progressive carries—numbers comparable to Calhanoglu’s last domestic campaign.

The Release Clause Myth

Palmeiras inserted a €100m buy-out when Rios penned his new deal until December 2027, yet Brazilian market insiders insist the Verdão will entertain offers around €25-30m. Inter’s sporting CEO Piero Ausilio has built a reputation for capitalising on such clauses. By structuring payments and add-ons, Ausilio believes Palmeiras could be tempted while still booking substantial profit on their €300k outlay.

Club World Cup Showcase

Rios’ showcase came against Manchester City in the semi-final. Although Palmeiras lost 1-0, the Colombian won four of five tackles, completed 90% of his passes under pressure and struck the bar with a thunderous 25-yard effort. That night, Inter analysts noticed his composure when pressed by Rodri—an attribute pivotal in Inzaghi’s build-up pattern.

When Richard Rios Clashed with Nicolas Otamendi

His fiery edge was equally evident in the Copa Libertadores against Benfica’s veteran centre-back, on loan with River Plate at the time. Cameras caught Richard Rios taunting Otamendi with the jibe, “You can’t even run anymore!”—a remark that went viral across South America. Inter value that competitive streak; insiders recall Beppe Marotta demanding “players with personality, not passengers.”

Financial Engineering at Inter

Inter’s ownership change to Oaktree Capital has tightened budgets, yet smart sales and Champions League revenue provide headroom. The club could raise funds by offloading Stefano Sensi and Valentin Carboni, whose combined fees might eclipse €15m. Spreading Rios’ fee over a four-year amortisation period would reduce yearly balance-sheet impact to roughly €7.5m—a figure deemed manageable if the Nerazzurri advance past the Champions League last-16.

Serie A Rivals and European Interest

Juventus, Atlético Madrid and West Ham have all enquired about Richard Rios. Juventus see him as Manuel Locatelli cover, while West Ham’s Tim Steidten has already opened a dialogue with the player’s entourage. Even so, sources close to Rios claim Inter’s sporting project and Latin-friendly dressing room—home to Juan Cuadrado and Lautaro Martínez—appeal most.

How Richard Rios Would Slot Into Inzaghi’s 3-5-2

Inter rely on a pivot that drifts laterally to create overloads. Calhanoglu initiates play, Barella supplies dynamism, and the third midfielder often rotates between Mkhitaryan and Davide Frattesi. In that slot, Richard Rios could press high, recover possession and unleash diagonal switches to Denzel Dumfries or Federico Dimarco. His 1.2 key passes per 90 and 0.18 xG build-up contribution in Brazil support the notion that he can elevate Inter’s transition game.

Possible Roadblocks

• Work Permit: Although Colombian internationals usually qualify, Rios has just four senior caps.
• Adaptation Period: Série A’s tactical demands differ from Brazilian tempo.
• January vs Summer: Palmeiras prefer to keep their core until the Copa Libertadores concludes in November, meaning Inter may need a purchase-and-loan-back arrangement.

Timeline of a Potential Deal

January 2: Inter board meeting confirms midfield priority.
January 10: First offer tabled—€5m loan fee + €25m obligation.
January 20: Palmeiras counter for €35m total.
January 25: Ausilio flies to São Paulo for face-to-face talks.
February 1: UEFA list deadline; Inter hope to register Richard Rios if agreement reached.

Scouting Report at a Glance

• Height/Weight: 1.85 m / 78 kg
• Preferred Foot: Right (capable left-foot shooter)
• Strengths: Ball recovery, progressive carries, mid-range shooting
• Weaknesses: Occasional rash tackling, needs sharper positional discipline
• Comparable Players: Fredy Guarín, Matías Vecino in prime

Quotes and Reactions

• “Richard Rios combines Brazilian flair with Colombian grit,” said former Palmeiras captain Dudu.
• Italian journalist Fabrizio Biasin noted, “Inter see shades of Arturo Vidal in his box-to-box aggression.”
• Abel Ferreira quipped, “If I were him, I’d ask Otamendi to keep the motor running—he might need a lift to Milan soon.”

Final Verdict

With a realistic price tag, multi-faceted skill set and fiery mentality, Richard Rios checks almost every box on Inter’s shopping list. The deal hinges on Palmeiras’ willingness to compromise mid-season and Inter’s capacity to shuffle finances before 30 June. Still, the signs suggest both clubs can strike a mutually beneficial agreement—especially if Rios publicly signals a desire to test himself in Europe.

Opinion

Signing Richard Rios now would be a masterstroke. He is far from the finished article, but Inter thrive on moulding rough diamonds—see Barella and Alessandro Bastoni. If Ausilio lands him for €30m, the Nerazzurri secure both immediate depth and a resale asset. Standing still is not an option in modern football; Richard Rios offers Inter forward momentum in every sense.