Could Manchester City be set to raid River Plate once again? | OneFootball

Manchester City have had success signing players from Argentinian powerhouse River Plate in recent years. Julian Alvarez arrived at City from the Argentinian giants and was an important member of Pep Guardiola’s squad before leaving the club for Atletico Madrid. Alvarez played a key role in Manchester City’s treble success in the 22/23 season. He was also a vital contributor to Manchester City’s successful 23/24 season. Claudio Echeverri is another player that City have signed from River Plate. The jury is out on Echeverri as a player, but he has the talent and potential to one day become a key player at City.

A new report indicates that City now have their eyes on signing another young starlet from River Plate. The player linked with City is young winger Ian Subiabre. City is reportedly one of a host of clubs interested in signing the next tantalising prospect from Argentina.

Manchester City are reportedly one of several clubs interested in signing Ian Subiabre from River Plate.

Connor Burgess has reported for TBR Football that Manchester City are one of several clubs interested in signing Ian Subiabre. Furthermore, Burgess reports that Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are all interested in signing Subiabre. Burgess adds that Brighton, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, AS Monaco and RB Leipzig are also keeping tabs on Ian Subiabre.

It is also included in Burgess’ report that Ian Subiabre is preparing to move to Europe in 2026. The Premier League seems to be Subiabre’s preferred destination, Connor Burgess further reports. Lastly, Burgess reports that City held discussions with River Plate over Ian Subiabre when they signed Claudio Echeverri from the Argentinian powerhouse. Whether or not Manchester City return with a bid for Subiabre remains to be seen.

Ian Subiabre is regarded as one of Argentina’s brightest young prospects, but there are doubts that he is ready for a move to Europe.

Looking at Ian Subiabre as a player, he is a tricky winger with an eye for a defence-splitting pass. He thrives playing on the ring wing and cutting inside. Subiabre is blessed with elite close control, which makes him a nightmare to deal with when he is isolated against a defender. There is an intelligence to the movement of Subiabre, and his skill set does seem to lend itself to playing as a number ten when he develops physically and matures as a player.

The knock on Ian Subiabre as a player is that he lacks pace. He is more of a crafty winger rather than a quick one. A report from Transfermarkt indicates that another knock on Ian Subiabre as a player is his physicality. It is included in the Transfermarkt report that the belief is that Ian Subiabre isn’t physically ready for the demands of playing in Europe and the Premier League. That bit of information does make you wonder if City will consider a move for a player with prodigious talent, but has a knock on his physicality.

Summary.

Ian Subiabre is the latest starlet to come through the ranks at River Plate. His impressive performances, undoubted talent, and potential make him a player worth keeping an eye on. Whether or not Manchester City decide to move for him remains to be seen, but Subiabre appears to have a bright future ahead of him.