Lautaro Rivero in a West Ham kit at London Stadium
Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung
Scott Mason
Wed 15 April 2026 9:20, UK
Lautaro Rivero is being tracked by West Ham United ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
The Irons will likely be in the market for defensive reinforcements, with Max Kilman struggling to impress supporters ever since his move to East London.
Additionally, while West Ham want to keep Axel Disasi, questions still remain in the air over whether his loan can either be extended or the Frenchman signed on a permanent deal.
Of course, the E20 outfit’s Premier League status will also come into play.
However, ahead of West Ham’s window, they have set eyes on Argentinian central defender Rivero, despite him signing a new contract at River Plate.
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What has been said about West Ham’s interest in Lautaro Rivero?
Rivero has just signed a new contract at River Plate, but that has done little to quell the notions and fears from the Argentine club.
The Buenos Aires-based outfit is said to be expecting offers for the 22-year-old in the upcoming transfer window, according to TYC Sports.
Lautaro Rivero for River Plate 2026 Total
League appearances 11
Passing accuracy 86%
Duel success 63%
Tackles per game 1.4
A £73.7million release clause is in Rivero’s contract, but the Millionaires are not looking to bring in that level of fee.
The report shares that West Ham are now starting to “take notice” of the defender, with the 22-year-old being left-footed and regarded as a “rare commodity”.
His performances for River Plate over the last year earned the young centre-back his Argentina debut. In October, he made his first and only cap so far for the world champions.
However, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side do face competition from within England, as Leeds United are also touted as a possible destination.
If Rivero is to move to England, the relegation battle could decide who he ends up joining. However, West Ham could have a backup solution in Michael Forbes anyway.
West Ham stat
West Ham will face tough negotiations for Lautaro Rivero
Despite selling Franco Mastantuono to Real Madrid for £39m, the South American club feel they did not have much of a say in his departure.
The same report states River Plate will insist on having “greater negotiating power” when it comes to any sale of Rivero and to avoid a similar scenario to Mastantuono.
River Plate will be unlikely to accept anything lower than what they may request, and in this situation, they hold all the cards.
𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐎 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣9️⃣
✍️ Esta mañana en el Mâs Monumental, junto al Presidente @stefanocdicarlo, Lautaro Rivero firmó la extensión de su contrato con River hasta diciembre de 2029. pic.twitter.com/Yfs8yHC7CC
— River Plate (@RiverPlate) April 14, 2026
View Tweet
Rivero’s recent contract, keeping him at the Argentine outfit until 2029, could ultimately prove to be a sticking point in any deal.
The Hammers must be wary and not get sucked into overpaying for a defender who has had minimal experience in senior football so far. Rivero has only made 58 appearances for top-flight clubs.