Vasco ‘to prepare’ offer for Franco Ibarra amid midfield search | OneFootball

Vasco have widened their South American search and made official enquiries for Franco Ibarra of Rosario Central as they target a holding midfielder.

According to Colina 1927, executive director Admar Lopes has travelled to Buenos Aires to source alternatives, with Ibarra placed on the agenda amid Racing’s hardline stance in earlier talks. A helpful link is that the midfielder is represented by Hernan Berman, who also manages the Argentine Santiago Sosa.

Vasco view the 25-year-old as a like-for-like number five, with a tactical profile comparable to the captain of the Academia. The football department remain optimistic about reinforcing Pedro Emanuel’s squad while avoiding dependence on a single cross-border saga. Investor Marcos Lamacchia is backing a plan that could deliver up to five additions.

The club are working quickly to outpace rivals and settle the structure of a potential official bid in the coming days. Ongoing corporate transition with 777 Partners means loans with fixed purchase options are being prioritised to protect cash flow. Parallel conversations also continue for Colombian Kevin Castaño, who belongs to River Plate.

Ibarra came through at Argentinos Juniors and made his name for ball-winning and combativeness. A move to Atlanta United in Major League Soccer gave him international experience before his return to Argentina with Rosario Central, where he has since established himself in central midfield.

Source: PaponaColina