SL Benfica announced the signing of Richard Rios on Tuesday evening, and TBR Football understands that he turned his back on potential moves to the Premier League.
Benfica concluded a deal with Palmeiras to sign the Colombian international in a deal that is worth just over £25 million.
The midfielder became one of the brightest talents playing in South America over the last year, and there were many clubs that were keen to bring him to Europe.
TBR Football can confirm that a host of Premier League clubs held talks with Rios in recent weeks, indeed stretching back months.
Tottenham and Manchester United held Richard Rios talks
Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Everton, Wolves and West Ham United all held talks at some level, sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.
However, TBR Football can reveal that no firm bids were made, despite even getting as far as personal terms.
Tottenham expressed an interest in Rios back in January. Meanwhile, Forest held talks to sign Rios, but never firmed up their interest in the player.
Despite being aware of the interest, Rios himself instructed his people to finalise the deal with Benfica, who held off interest from the Italian side, AS Roma, to land the 25-year-old.
Tottenham are looking to sign a new number six this summer, but have seemingly turned their attention to signing Joao Palhinha.
Manchester United are also keen to add to their midfield options, with Ruben Amorim wanting a more athletic addition to his squad.
Question marks over Kobbie Mainoo’s future mean that they might need to seriously assess their options, although Rios is now off their list of targets.
Richard Rios backing himself to become one of Europe’s top midfielders
Rios certainly believes in his ability, and there is an understanding that he is backing himself to become one of Europe’s top midfielders.
The 25-year-old is confident that moving to Benfica as his first European club is a great step towards establishing himself on the new continent.
He will have the chance to play Champions League football for the first time next season, with Benfica set to compete in the competition.
Bailey told TBR Football: “Richard Rios is one of those South American-based players who Premier League clubs liked, liked him a lot.
“But nobody would make the final push, get the deal done. Rios and his people were sick of waiting for what they perceived as false promises.
“I am told that Rios firmly believes that he will become one of Europe’s top midfielders, and he believes Benfica is a great landing spot for him to show that.
“I certainly won’t be surprised if some of those Premier League clubs who considered him this summer, won’t be looking at him next summer but are likely having to pay double what he would have cost this year.”