Tottenham submit bid to sign £84M South American star, Postecoglou ‘very keen’ on hiring him

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made an official bid to sign Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, according to Caught Offside. The North London club is keen to strengthen its squad during the January transfer window, aiming to improve their performances in what has been a challenging season under manager Ange Postecoglou.

Currently sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table with 24 points from 20 matches, Tottenham have struggled to find consistency.

Although they managed an impressive victory over Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, their narrow win against National League side Tamworth in the FA Cup third round highlighted ongoing issues in the squad. Despite progressing in both cup competitions, injuries and inconsistent displays have hampered their league campaign.

One of the key factors contributing to Tottenham’s struggles this season has been a lengthy injury list. Key players like Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert, and Guglielmo Vicario are all sidelined, leaving Postecoglou with limited options.

In response, the manager has turned to the transfer market in search of reinforcements. The club has already signed Antonin Kinsky to strengthen their goalkeeping options and now appears focused on addressing midfield weaknesses.

Reports suggest that Postecoglou is eager to add Richard Rios to his squad. The Colombian midfielder, currently plying his trade at Palmeiras, is seen as a dynamic and versatile player capable of slotting into various roles.

Known for his energy and ability to play as a box-to-box midfielder, Rios can also provide cover in a defensive midfield position when required. Such qualities would add depth and flexibility to Tottenham’s midfield, an area where they currently lack options.

Rios has reportedly attracted significant interest beyond Tottenham, with Everton and Nottingham Forest also pushing to secure his signature. The Brazilian club, however, has set a high price tag on the player, with a release clause of £84 million (€100 million) in his contract. Tottenham’s initial bid has already been rejected, signaling that negotiations may prove challenging.

The need for midfield reinforcements is evident for Spurs. While the likes of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, and Lucas Bergvall provide some options, injuries and inexperience have created gaps.

Bentancur, in particular, has struggled with fitness issues in recent years, and Bergvall, though talented, still requires time to develop his potential at the top level. Bringing in a player like Rios could provide both immediate impact and long-term stability in the middle of the park.

Rios’s attributes make him well-suited for the Premier League. His physicality, work rate, and technical ability align with the demands of English football, and his versatility would give Postecoglou more tactical flexibility.

If the deal materializes, Rios could form an effective partnership with existing midfielders, strengthening Tottenham’s core and improving their ability to compete in the second half of the season.

However, Tottenham face a race against time to finalize the transfer. With Palmeiras unlikely to accept anything below the release clause, Spurs must decide whether they are willing to meet the asking price or negotiate alternative terms.

Meanwhile, competition from other clubs could further complicate the process, adding urgency to Tottenham’s pursuit of the Colombian international.

For Postecoglou, securing Rios would represent a significant step toward addressing the challenges that have plagued Tottenham’s season. The manager is under pressure to deliver results, and a strong finish to the campaign could help rebuild confidence among supporters. Adding a player of Rios’s caliber would not only enhance the squad but also signal the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level.

As the January transfer window progresses, Tottenham’s efforts to sign Richard Rios will remain a key storyline. Whether or not the deal comes to fruition, the club’s determination to strengthen their squad highlights their commitment to improving results and climbing the Premier League table.

For now, Spurs fans will be watching closely, hopeful that their team can secure the reinforcements needed to turn their season around.