Tottenham Hotspur are making headlines once again, this time for their pursuit of one of South America’s most promising defensive prospects—Lautaro Rivero of River Plate. The 21-year-old Argentine centre-back has become a hot commodity on the European transfer market, with both Tottenham and Atlético Madrid vying for his signature ahead of the upcoming transfer window. As the saga unfolds, the battle for Rivero’s services is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing stories of the summer.
Rivero’s rise through the ranks at River Plate has not gone unnoticed. After developing in the club’s youth system, Rivero spent a crucial loan spell at Central Córdoba, where he racked up around 30 appearances, contributed goals and assists, and displayed the kind of composure and discipline that scouts love to see. Upon his return, River Plate quickly activated a buy-back clause, signaling just how highly they rate the young defender. Since rejoining the first team, Rivero has made 10 appearances, totaling 900 minutes of game time—a solid return for a player still establishing himself in one of Argentina’s most storied clubs.
Standing at approximately 185 centimeters and known for his left-footed distribution, Rivero offers a modern profile at the heart of defense. His contract with River Plate runs until 2028, and with a jaw-dropping €100 million release clause attached, the Argentine giants are in no hurry to part ways with their prized asset. As one report puts it, “River Plate will only consider selling Rivero if a significant offer is made.” That’s a clear message to suitors: if you want him, you’ll have to dig deep.
Tottenham’s interest in Rivero is no passing fancy. The North London club has been actively seeking to reinforce its defensive core, even after completing the permanent signing of Kevin Danso and adding Kota Takai over the summer. Yet, the squad’s depth remains a concern, especially with Radu Dragusin’s future hanging in the balance after failing to secure a regular first-team spot. Further complicating matters, both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero—key figures in Tottenham’s backline—have been linked with moves to other European heavyweights. For Spurs, the need for a young, dynamic defender is clear, and Rivero fits the bill perfectly.
But Tottenham are not alone in this chase. Atlético Madrid, renowned for their defensive prowess and ability to nurture young talent, have joined the fray. According to reports, “scouts from Atlético Madrid have been tracking the 21-year-old’s performances closely, impressed by his composure, strength, and leadership despite his young age.” The Spanish side, along with Juventus and RB Leipzig, are keeping a close eye on Rivero’s progress, hoping that River Plate might eventually be willing to negotiate the release clause down to a more palatable figure.
It’s not hard to see why Rivero has caught the attention of so many top clubs. His performances for River Plate and during his loan at Central Córdoba have showcased a defender with both the physical and mental attributes required for the European game. Tottenham, in particular, are drawn to his adaptability and potential to thrive in the Premier League’s fast-paced environment. As one source noted, “the opportunity to move to the Premier League will be exciting for the young defender as well. It would be a huge step up in his career, and he would get to test himself at the highest level.”
Adding fuel to the speculation, Rivero could be tempted by the prospect of playing alongside compatriot Cristian Romero at Tottenham. The chance to learn from an established Argentine international and test himself against some of the world’s best attackers is surely appealing. However, River Plate’s determination to retain their young star, at least unless a substantial offer comes in, means negotiations are likely to be complex. “River Plate is unlikely to lose Rivero easily and will demand substantial money, but probably not the full release clause amount,” analysts suggest.
Rivero’s contract situation gives River Plate significant leverage. With a deal running until 2028, the club is under no pressure to sell, especially as they see Rivero as a key part of their defensive future. The €100 million release clause, while likely unattainable for most, serves as a strong deterrent to lowball offers. European clubs, for now, appear content to monitor Rivero’s development, hoping that circumstances might eventually force River Plate’s hand. “European clubs are expected to wait and monitor his progress, hoping that future talks could bring the price to a more realistic level before making an official approach,” one report states.
There are, of course, challenges for any club looking to sign Rivero. Despite his obvious potential, Rivero has not yet been a consistent starter at River Plate, which could give some teams pause if they are seeking immediate impact. Additionally, the transition from Argentine football to the European stage is never guaranteed to be smooth. Maintaining regularity and avoiding injuries will be crucial if Rivero is to meet the lofty expectations set for him abroad.
Still, Tottenham’s pursuit of Rivero is emblematic of their broader transfer strategy under their current regime. The club has made it a point to target young, high-upside players who can grow into key roles over time. The addition of Rivero would offer not only depth and competition but also a different profile from the more physically dominant defenders currently in the squad. “Signing the talented young defender would be a step in the right direction,” one source affirms, noting that Tottenham’s ambitions to compete regularly for trophies hinge on continued squad improvement.
For Atlético Madrid, the allure of Rivero is equally strong. The club has a tradition of investing in defenders with both technical ability and a strong sense of positioning, and Rivero’s youth and leadership qualities make him an attractive long-term project. However, the financial aspect cannot be ignored—matching River Plate’s valuation will be a tall order, especially with other priorities in play.
As the January transfer window approaches, the race for Lautaro Rivero is heating up. Will Tottenham or Atlético Madrid make the decisive move? Or will River Plate’s stance and the player’s development keep him in Buenos Aires for another season? One thing is clear: Rivero’s stock is rising fast, and this transfer battle is far from over.
For now, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if Tottenham can outmaneuver their rivals and land one of Argentina’s brightest defensive talents. The next few months promise plenty of twists and turns as the story of Lautaro Rivero’s future continues to unfold.
