Leeds United Face Setback In €100M Defensive Target’s Chase: What Does This Mean For Their Transfer Plans?
Leeds United Face Setback In €100M Defensive Target’s Chase: What Does This Mean For Their Transfer Plans? Leeds United have identified River Plate centre-back Lautaro Rivero as a summer transfer target, only for the Argentine club to respond swiftly by tying the 22-year-old down to a new contract through December 2029, complete with a €100 million release clause. Leeds United eye River Plate star as €100m clause slams door shut El Intransigente reported this week that Leeds United made a concrete approach for the defender, and that their interest really shook up River Plate’s hierarchy.
The Elland Road side are one of several Premier League clubs tracking Rivero closely, with Brighton & Hove Albion also entering the picture. Sport Witness covered Brighton’s interest as far back as 20 March, noting that Rivero’s agent had travelled to England to hold talks with the Seagulls, though whether he also met with Leeds United representatives during that visit remains unclear. River Plate’s strategic counter-move River Plate moved decisively once they sensed the level of attention gathering around Rivero.
Club president Stefano Di Carlo confirmed the contract extension just days after reports of Leeds United’s concrete interest broke, and the Argentine outfit described the renewal as a deliberate move to fend off European suitors. The new deal runs until December 2029, and the attached €100 million buyout clause positions River Plate firmly in control of any future negotiations. Rivero returned to River Plate from a loan spell at Central Córdoba last summer and has been a first-team regular since.
Across 11 league starts this season, he has accumulated 970 minutes and averaged 4. 5 clearances, 4. 7 duels won, 3.
5 balls recovered, 1. 4 tackles, and 1. 2 interceptions per game.