Manchester City Are Keeping Tabs On This Talented Defender: One For The Future? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Defensa Central revealed that Manchester City are keeping tabs on River Plate defender Lautaro Rivero. It has been stated that the Mancunian giants would have to compete with Red Bull Leipzig, Juventus and Real Madrid in the race to land the Argentine centre-back next year.

Rivero’s Impressive Rise In Argentine Football

Rivero has caught the eye at times with his performances for River Plate on the defensive end of the field. The 21-year-old has already made 11 senior appearances for the Argentine outfit thus far but has failed to score or create a goal for them across all fronts.

The Argentine talent is currently among the best young centre-backs in his homeland. Thus, Man City would do well to lure him to the Etihad Stadium next year.

His current contract at River Plate will run out at the end of 2028, so Guardiola would have to launch a big offer if he wants to sign Rivero.

ROSARIO, ARGENTINA – OCTOBER 02: Lautaro Rivero of River Plate defends during the Copa Argentina 2025 quarter-final match between Racing Club and River Plate at Estadio Gigante de Arroyito on October 02, 2025 in Rosario, Argentina. (Photo by Luciano Bisbal/Getty Images)

Manchester City Are Keeping Tabs On Rivero: Is He A Prospect For The Future?

Rivero loves a tackle and can sense the danger well to secure possession back for his side on the defensive end of the field. He usually clears his lines when the opposition are on the offensive and is a tidy passer of the ball as well. Rivero is also not afraid to put his body on the line to make some important blocks for his team.

Standing at 1.85m, the Argentine sensation is a strong presence in the air as well. However, he is still quite raw and would need time to prove his worth in the Premier League if Man City can find a way to get a deal done for him next year.

We can expect Rivero to enhance the quality of Pep Guardiola’s defence in the long run. He has what it takes to serve as a good rotational piece in Man City‘s match-day squad.

At 21, the future looks quite bright for Rivero as long as he continues to improve with each year. However, there are some concerns over whether he can adapt to the high intensity of the Premier League if Guardiola manage to bring him on board in 2026.