Brighton
Brighton & Hove Albion are again looking towards South America for defensive talent, and Lautaro Rivero is now emerging as a name worth watching.
The 22-year-old River Plate centre-back is not yet a headline figure in Europe. However, his recent performances suggest he is moving quickly in that direction.
A left-footed defender, Rivero has begun to establish himself at senior level after returning from a loan spell at Central Córdoba. He was a midfielder during his youth academy days, so his capabilities with the ball caught the eye. Since then, he has grown into a more regular presence under Marcelo Gallardo.
His profile fits what Brighton often target. He is comfortable on the ball, tactically aware, and developing within a structured system.
Defensive profile and underlying numbers
Rivero’s data from the current campaign reinforces that impression.
He averages 1.59 interceptions per 90 minutes, placing him in a strong percentile for reading the game. In addition, he records 1.94 tackles per 90 and 3.87 clearances, showing solid defensive involvement without being overly aggressive.
Importantly, he has not committed a single error leading to a shot or goal so far. That suggests a level of composure and decision-making that stands out for a player still early in his top-level career.
In the air, he wins 2.16 duels per 90, again indicating reliability rather than dominance.
However, his standout numbers come in possession. Rivero averages over 60 passes per 90 minutes, with an 86% completion rate. Those figures place him among the most active distributors in the squad and underline his role in build-up phases.
This combination points to a defender who is more positional and controlled than aggressive – a profile often favoured by Brighton’s recruitment model.
Brighton interest begins to take shape
Against that backdrop, reports from Argentina suggest Brighton have already started moving behind the scenes.
Journalist Sebastián Srur has stated that Rivero’s representative – notably the same agent as Enzo Fernández – is currently in England. According to him, Brighton are “trying, asking, probing… call it what you want” regarding the defender.
Srur stopped short of confirming a formal bid. Still, the tone indicates early groundwork rather than idle interest.
He also noted that Rivero has a €100m (£86.5m) release clause, although it is described as largely symbolic and designed to strengthen River Plate’s negotiating position.
The expectation, as things stand, is that interest could intensify towards the summer window, especially if his current level continues.
A profile that fits Brighton’s model
Brighton have built a reputation for identifying defenders before they reach full market value. Rivero appears to match that strategy.
He is not yet a finished product. His duel volume remains moderate, and he still needs to prove himself consistently at a higher level. Yet his composure, passing output, and defensive reading offer a strong foundation.
If Brighton are indeed laying the groundwork now, it would follow a familiar pattern. Move early, build relationships, and position themselves before wider European competition arrives.
What happens next may depend less on whether interest exists, and more on how quickly it turns into something concrete.
🇧🇷 EXCLUSIVE: Álvaro Montoro ‼️
➡️ Brighton interest meets Textor financial trouble
➡️ #BHAFC official watched him against Grêmio
➡️ Travelled to Porto Alegre specifically for Montoro
➡️ Pedro Reinert explains situation from Brazil…https://t.co/jLvcE1ZoHR
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 19, 2026