The battle for iver Plate star Ian Subiabre has begun, and TBR Football has been told that he is ‘likely’ to be heading to the Premier League in 2026.
Subiabre is the latest River Plate product set to emerge from their hugely impressive conveyor belt of talent, which has produced the likes of Julian Alvarez, Claudio Echeverri, and Franco Mastantuono.
The 18-year-old has been one of the stars of Argentina’s run to the final of the Under-20 World Cup, which will take place in Chile on Sunday.
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TBR Football now understands Subiabre is ready to move to Europe in 2026, and Premier League clubs are leading the chase, but that is not new, as he has been on their radar since he was 16.
Argentina's forward #21 Ian Subiabre celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2025 South American U-20 football championship final round match between Chile and Argentina at the UCV Olympic stadium.
Photo by JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images
As TBR Football previously revealed, Manchester City spoke to Subiabre and River Plate when they signed Claudio Echeverri, and their interest remains, but they are not alone.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are all keeping close checks on him, along with Brighton, Fulham, and Crystal Palace, but so too are the likes of Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Monaco and RB Leipzig.
Exclusive: Ian Subiabre is preparing to move to the Premier League
Chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has exclusively revealed to TBR Football the latest surrounding Subiabre’s plans to move to Europe.
Bailey states: “Subiabre is one of those players who you think is mid-20s, given how long we have been hearing about him. For years now, his name has come up as one of Argentina’s top young players.
“To be fair to him and his family, I am told that he has not been pushing to leave early, despite seeing many of his contemporaries moving on.
“Speaking to scouts and clubs, the belief is now that we see Subiabre move in 2026. It is likely in the summer, but don’t be surprised if someone gets a deal done in January.”
River Plate v Estudiantes - Torneo Apertura Betano 2025
Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images
Arsenal and Chelsea have held talks with Subiabre as four of the Premier League’s biggest clubs prepare to battle for the young Argentine’s signature.
The Under-20 World Cup has been well monitored by sides across Europe, as TBR Football understands Dylan Gorosito is another top Premier League target emerging from the competition.
Subiabre has enjoyed a breakout year at River Plate, but his most impressive displays have occurred in Chile, and he has scored two goals in the competition to help Argentina reach the final.
Liverpool are looking to the future in the transfer market
After spending approximately £450 million in the summer to build a star-studded squad, it appears the transfer policy for upcoming windows has shifted at Anfield.
Subiabre and Gorosito are two of many talented youngsters the club have sent officials to keep tabs on during the Under-20 World Cup.
The Reds are preparing for the future with Joel Ordonez and Taras Mykhavko also on the radar as Richard Hughes aims to future-proof the squad.
While the champions have waited to monitor how a talented prospect performs in Europe in the past, their continued interest in the Under-20 World Cup suggests that policy could soon be revisited to ensure they do not miss out on the next generation of talent.