La Liga
Real Madrid has set its sights on Real Madrid has set its sights on Lautaro Rivero, a young central defender from River Plate, as part of their strategy to reinforce the defense in the summer transfer market of 2026.
The request from Xabi Alonso, coach of the white club, has accelerated the interest in the promising 21-year-old defender, who has stood out in Argentine football and recently made his debut with the national team, as reported by Defensa Central.
Lautaro Rivero: a rising defensive gem
Lautaro Rivero, born in Moreno, Buenos Aires, has had an exemplary career. Trained in River Plate's youth teams, his stint at Central Córdoba de Santiago del Estero allowed him to establish himself as a starter and win the 2024 Copa Argentina.
His performance in the Copa Libertadores, especially in the historic victory against Flamengo at the Maracaná, earned him recognition from Marcelo Gallardo, who called him back to the first team. Since his return, Rivero has been a key player in the Millionarios' defense, showing solidity, leadership, and great skill in playing from the back.
Real Madrid: interest and competition for the young center-back
Real Madrid has identified Rivero as an attractive option to strengthen their defense. The sports management, led by Juni Calafat, has closely monitored his progress, and Xabi Alonso's recommendation has fueled interest in the Argentine defender. However, the competition is fierce.
Clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, and Juventus have also shown interest in the young center-back, which could complicate negotiations for Real Madrid. Furthermore, River Plate has set a release clause of 86.7 million pounds sterling (approximately 100 million euros), reflecting their intention to retain their young star.

Lautaro Rivero: debut with the Argentine national team
Lautaro Rivero's call-up to the Argentine national team in October 2025 marked a milestone in his career. He made his debut in the friendly against Puerto Rico, coming on in the second half in the 6-0 victory.
His inclusion in the Albiceleste not only highlights his quality but also his international potential. Lionel Scaloni, the national team coach, has praised his performance and sees him as an important piece for the future of the national team.
Future prospects
Despite Real Madrid's interest, Lautaro Rivero has expressed his desire to stay at River Plate at least until next summer, hoping to establish himself in the Argentine national team and increase his market value.
The Millionarios club, on the other hand, aims to retain him, trusting in his potential to lead the defense in the coming years. Real Madrid, aware of the competition and the high cost of his release clause, will need to carefully evaluate their options before making a decision.
In summary, Lautaro Rivero has emerged as one of the most promising talents in Argentine football. His talent, leadership, and international projection have placed him in the sights of top European clubs.
Real Madrid is closely monitoring his development, but competition and market conditions will present a challenge for his signing. It will be interesting to see how events unfold in the coming months and if the young defender makes the leap to European football.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Real Madrid sigue de cerca a Lautaro Rivero, central de River Plate
