Liga MX flop at center of Premier League tug-of-war

Once an afterthought in Mexican soccer, Colombian midfielder Richard Ríos is now turning heads on the global stage—and Premier League clubs are lining up.

The 25-year-old Palmeiras star has been one of the standout performers at the FIFA Club World Cup, delivering eye-catching displays against both Porto and Al Ahly. But few remember that before his breakout, Ríos had a short and largely unnoticed stint in Liga MX.

With the Mexican league often flooded with foreign talent, some players struggle to make an impression before finding their stride elsewhere. That was Ríos’ path: quiet exit from Mexico, resurgence in Brazil, and now a meteoric rise with the reigning Copa Libertadores champions.

Richard Ríos chased by Premier League giants Manchester United

According to AS, multiple English clubs—including Manchester United, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest—are now tracking the Colombian international. Palmeiras, well aware of his growing market value, reportedly won’t entertain offers below $28.8 million.

Ríos’ forgettable spell in Liga MX

Few remember that Richard Ríos actually played in Mexico. The Colombian midfielder arrived in Liga MX as a young prospect, but a knee injury kept him from making any kind of real impact on the field. He joined Mazatlán FC in July 2021 on loan from Brazilian giants Flamengo, but things never took off.

That injury sidelined Ríos for several months, effectively derailing his time in Mexico. During his brief stint at Mazatlán, he managed just six appearances, totaling a mere 126 minutes on the pitch—with no goals or assists to his name.

By the summer of 2022, his loan ended and he returned to Flamengo with a market value of less than $500,000, according to Transfermarkt. But that setback marked the beginning of his climb. Ríos moved to Brazilian side Guaraní and, in 2023, signed with Palmeiras—where he’s since flourished.

Since arriving at the São Paulo-based club, he’s racked up 11 goals and 8 assists across 134 appearances, finally showing the talent that once earned him a shot in Liga MX. Now, he’s on the verge of a move to Europe.

What’s Richard Ríos worth?

Transfermarkt currently values Ríos at approximately $18.4 million, but Palmeiras know they’re sitting on a rising asset. The midfielder is under contract until December 2028, and the club is reportedly holding out for at least $28.8 million, a price tag that could climb even higher if he continues to shine at the Club World Cup.

Ríos is set to feature again on Monday, June 23, when Palmeiras take on Inter Miami in the final group stage match of the tournament. Another strong performance could push his value—and the Premier League interest—even further.

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