Lautaro Rivero in action for River Plate
Credit: Imago
Scott Mason
Wed 15 April 2026 17:10, UK
Lautaro Rivero is on West Ham United‘s shortlist as they look to strengthen in much-needed areas of improvement.
The Hammers are currently embroiled in the fight to remain in the Premier League, but it all could have been avoided with smarter decision-making in both the transfer and managerial markets.
After cutting ties with Graham Potter, West Ham have finally got it right with Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Portuguese manager has been exemplary in turning the tides in E20 and giving hope that survival could yet arrive.
However, one area the Hammers have lacked is in the air, and West Ham’s interest in Rivero may point to them looking to solve the problem.
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Why Lautaro Rivero looks perfect for West Ham
West Ham are tracking Rivero, who has a £73.7million release clause. However, River Plate are not expecting that value to be met.
The Hammers will have to enter negotiations to secure a deal, and his data suggests there is every reason to do so.
Lautaro Rivero profile Details
Age 22
Position Centre-back
Nationality Argentina
Height 6’0″
Transfermarkt value £6m
Rivero’s season in Argentina only began in January due to the contrasting schedules between Europe and South America.
However, despite just his 11 appearances, there is enough to take away as to what style of defender the centre-back is.
Rivero’s level of success in the air is likely why the Argentine piques the interest of those at London Stadium.
Compared to the rest of the Irons’ options, the 22-year-old’s 68.8 per cent win rate this season tops the charts, despite being just six-foot tall.
The closest to him in terms of success is Konstantinos Mavropanos, who wins 66.7 per cent of his duels while winning a similar amount per game.
Additionally, if translated into the Premier League, Rivero would place in seventh place for success in this category.
Lautaro Rivero aerial duel success rate
Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung
West Ham have struggled from set-pieces, so adding stronger and better battlers in the air makes complete sense.
Who would Lautaro Rivero replace at West Ham?
With the Argentine being left-footed, the Hammers would be looking at a replacement for Max Kilman and a potential backup to Axel Disasi.
Both of those Irons defenders have been deployed on the left side of Nuno’s defence.
Disasi has proved himself to be a key member of Nuno’s squad, so the Frenchman being displaced anytime soon seems unlikely if he remains next season.
But West Ham will need quality in depth across their squad if they avoid relegation to ensure they are not in the same position next campaign.
Rivero may not be starting every week at first, but his qualities in the Argentinian league showcase he has the abilities required to solve a core issue in Nuno’s ranks.