West Ham United desperately need midfield additions ahead of next season. The Hammers are crying out for quality in the engine room.
West Ham already missed out on Angel Gomes, [who chose to join Olympique Marseille](https://westhamblog.co.uk/posts/west-ham-could-miss-out-on-angel-gomes-as-marseille-enter-talks-to-sign-england-star-on-a-free-transfer/), while Club Brugge’s Ardon Jashari, another Hammers target, is on AC Milan’s radar.
The Irons could be about to miss out on another target despite his relatively affordable price tag, with European giants circling for his signature.
According to [Ge Globo](https://ge.globo.com/futebol/times/palmeiras/noticia/2025/06/19/richard-rios-atrai-interesse-de-europeus-e-pode-se-tornar-proxima-grande-venda-do-palmeiras.ghtml), Atletico Madrid and FC Porto are interested in signing combative Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, who was a target for West Ham last summer.
West Ham wanted him and submitted a €25 million offer that the Brazilian side rejected. Palmeira want around €30 million to let Rios go this summer.
Rios has caught the eye of European teams, including West Ham, with his non-stop engine. He has been proving his mettle at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Against Porto, he won six of 13 duels while completing three out of three attempted dribbles, making two interceptions, one tackle and one clearance.
Days before, he was equally sensational as Palmeiras beat Al Ahly 2-0, winning eight of his 13 duels. He is a physically imposing midfielder who will bolster this West Ham side.
The 25-year-old has also been terrific for Colombia, and in our opinion, West Ham should return to sign him this summer.
Rios is a terrific number eight/six who adds steel that this West Ham side sorely lacks.
Adding a profile like Rios immediately improves this dire West Ham centre. The Irons need to act quickly or risk missing out on his services.
Rios has been excellent at the Club World Cup, and suitors will be tempted to pull the trigger. West Ham should try to sign him again.
(Stats from Sofascore)