Real Sociedad eye Lautaro Rivero as River Plate await firm offer | OneFootball

With the World Cup under way in North America, Real Sociedad, fresh from winning the Copa del Rey, are targeting a left-sided centre-back after Caleta-Car’s exit, with River Plate’s 22-year-old Lautaro Rivero under consideration.

According to AS, the sporting department led by Erik Bretos opened contacts two months ago. Betis have also shown interest, with potential defensive departures such as Natan shaping their plans.

Rivero fits an attractive profile and has admirers across major leagues, but River must first decide. To bolster Coudet’s squad, the Buenos Aires club need sales, and Longoria, their director of operations, rates him and thinks a tournament alongside Otamendi could increase his value.

River are waiting for a firm offer and would only sanction a move for a strong bid. Options like sell-on percentages and future profit shares are being explored, with clubs such as Real or Betis seen as platforms to boost his value in Europe.

Real also have alternative centre-backs on their list, mindful that the Argentine is being pursued by several clubs.

As with River’s other young players, Rivero has a 100 million release clause, a protection to avoid cut-price exits and to steer negotiations.

Source: AS