Benfica is in a phase described as a "do-or-die season," where the pressure for immediate results is high. According to Mário Figueiredo, the club has no margin to invest time in developing young players, and it is necessary to secure wins immediately.
Mário Figueiredo also commented on the imminent departure of Richard Rios, who will be loaned to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. The loan does not include any purchase option by the Arab club.
Financially, the deal represents a direct intake of three million euros for Benfica. Additionally, the Lisbon club achieves full relief of the player's salary during the loan period.
