Liverpool face three other Premier League clubs for Argentine wonderkid | OneFootball

Liverpool step up pursuit of River Plate prodigy Ian Subiabre

Liverpool have intensified their interest in highly rated River Plate forward Ian Subiabre, with Premier League rivals Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal also monitoring the 18-year-old ahead of a potential move to Europe in 2026.

Rising star from Argentina’s talent factory

Subiabre has been the standout performer in Argentina’s impressive run to the Under-20 World Cup final in Chile, drawing widespread attention from Europe’s elite clubs. A product of River Plate’s fabled youth academy — the same that produced Julián Álvarez, Claudio Echeverri and Franco Mastantuono — the teenager’s performances have underlined his growing reputation as one of South America’s brightest young attackers.

TBR Football reports that Subiabre has been on the radar of English clubs since the age of 16, with several scouts considering him one of the most polished Argentine forwards of his generation. His maturity on the ball and intelligent positioning have prompted comparisons with the early days of Álvarez’s development at River.

Despite his rising profile, sources close to the player indicate that Subiabre and his family have shown patience in planning his next steps, choosing to continue his development in Argentina before committing to a move abroad. That stance may soon shift as interest intensifies from England and mainland Europe.

Premier League giants circle for 2026 transfer

Manchester City’s existing relationship with River Plate — established during their successful move for Echeverri — gives them an inside track. However, they are far from alone in pursuing Subiabre. Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all held preliminary discussions with representatives of the forward, while Brighton, Fulham and Crystal Palace are among those tracking his progress.

Interest extends beyond the Premier League, with Atletico Madrid, Juventus, RB Leipzig and Monaco also keeping close tabs on his situation. A January pre-agreement has not been ruled out, though a summer 2026 switch is viewed as the most realistic timeline.

Graeme Bailey told TBR Football that “Subiabre is one of those names people have been hearing for years — he feels like a player already in his mid-twenties because of the attention he’s attracted. Clubs now believe 2026 is when he finally makes the step to Europe.”

Liverpool’s evolving recruitment approach

At Anfield, the strategy appears to be shifting towards securing the next wave of elite young talent. After significant investment in established names over recent windows, Liverpool’s recruitment team led by sporting director Richard Hughes is prioritising long-term sustainability.

Photo: IMAGO

Subiabre and fellow Argentine Dylan Gorosito are among several prospects identified by Liverpool’s South American scouting network. Alongside them, defenders Joel Ordoñez and Taras Mykhavko have also been highlighted as potential future signings.

With the Under-20 World Cup offering a clear window into South America’s emerging stars, Liverpool have taken a more proactive stance, sending senior scouts to monitor the tournament closely. It marks a departure from previous transfer cycles, when the club often waited for players to prove themselves in Europe before making an approach.

Subiabre’s next move

While a deal remains some distance from completion, those familiar with negotiations expect further contact between River Plate and interested clubs before the end of 2025. River’s recent record of developing talent ensures they will seek a significant fee, particularly with competition across multiple leagues.

For Liverpool, the race for Ian Subiabre represents more than just another transfer battle — it signals an effort to evolve their recruitment philosophy in an increasingly competitive global market. The coming months could determine whether Anfield becomes the next stop in the young Argentine’s rapidly rising career.