River Plate
Brighton & Hove Albion have emerged as a new contender to sign River Plate’s Lautaro Rivero.
That’s according to River Noticias, who cover the latest on Brighton’s interest in the 22-year-old.
Rivero is a product of the Argentine club’s academy and spent 18 months on loan at Central Córdoba and returned to his parent club in June 2025.
Since then, the centre-back has been a regular for River Plate and his performances have caught the attention of European clubs.
In the first half of this season, Sport Witness covered claims from Argentina of Tottenham Hotspur interest. Spurs reportedly looked at him for the winter market but a move never materialised.
Two months ago, Sport Witness again relayed news from South America of Aston Villa as an option for Rivero.
Brighton join Rivero chase
Fast forward to February and Fabian Hürzeler’s side are added to the list of his English suitors.
Over the past few years, the Seagulls have regularly signed upcoming talents from South America and sold some of them for huge profits. Moisés Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister are two big examples.
Brighton have now set their sights on Rivero, who has already established himself as an ‘indispensable player’ at River Plate. His development and impressive displays have seen several European clubs take notice.
Seagulls include Argentine in shortlist
The report claims River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo knows about the growing interest and is concerned of losing Rivero in the next window.
As things stand, Brighton have included the defender in their short list but haven’t made an approach yet.
It’s quite possible the Seagulls could make advances to try and bring him to The Amex after this season. Should they take this step, River Noticias claim the South American club ‘won’t let him go easily’.
Rivero has a contract until December 2028, and it includes a $100m [€85m] clause. If he were to leave, it’ll be likely for a fee much less than his buyout clause.