Argentine press: Racing near deal with Cruzeiro for Lautaro Díaz | OneFootball

Lautaro Díaz’s future is likely to be back in Argentina. According to journalist Germán García Grova, Racing are very close to signing the forward, who belongs to Cruzeiro and is currently on loan at Santos. According to the report, only the final details between the clubs remain before the deal is completed.

As reported by the Argentine journalist, the agreement provides for a one-season loan, with a purchase option set at 3 million dollars (around R$ 16.3 million at the current exchange rate). For the transfer to go through, Santos and Cruzeiro still need to settle the final adjustments for the early termination of the player’s loan deal with the São Paulo club.

Lautaro Díaz was signed by Cruzeiro in July 2024 after standing out for Independiente del Valle of Ecuador. To bring in the forward, Raposa paid 3 million dollars, around R$ 16 million at the current exchange rate, for 70% of the player’s economic rights. At the time, the Argentine arrived at the club backed by strong performances in Ecuadorian football and the titles he won with the Quito side.

Despite the expectations surrounding his signing, Lautaro was unable to establish himself as a starter at Cruzeiro. With Leonardo Jardim taking charge last year, he lost space in the squad and was eventually loaned to Santos in search of more regular playing time.

For the São Paulo club, the forward played 34 matches, scored four goals, and provided two assists. Even with more opportunities, he did not establish himself as an indispensable part of the team, a scenario that opened the door for Racing’s interest.

If the deal is confirmed, Lautaro will return to Argentine football after his spell in Brazil. Developed at Estudiantes de Buenos Aires, the forward gained continental recognition while playing for Independiente del Valle, where he won the 2022 Copa Sudamericana, the Recopa Sudamericana, and the Ecuadorian Super Cup before being signed by Cruzeiro.

The expectation is that the final details will be resolved in the coming days. If the agreement is made official, Racing will have the forward on loan until mid-2027, while retaining the possibility of signing him permanently at the end of the deal if they trigger the purchase option included in the contract.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.