Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the progress of River Plate talent Lautaro Rivero
Thomas Frank could not have asked for a better start to life at Tottenham Hotspur. The Lilywhites entered the October international third in the Premier League table, only two points behind league leaders Arsenal. They are unbeaten in the Champions League and have advanced to the Carabao Cup fourth round, which shows the progress Spurs have made in a short span under Thomas Frank.
There is a newfound structure, flexibility and resoluteness at N17 since the Danish tactician’s arrival at Tottenham. The players have a better understanding of their roles and demands and are responding very well to their boss. However, Spurs are not a finished article and have several holes in the squad that requires addressing.
One concern that continues to linger for the Lilywhites is their lack of quality depth in defence. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are undisputed first-choice centre-back pairing and they’ve started the season very well. However, beyond them, Frank lacks quality options in the squad. It is an area the north Londoners are seemingly planning to address in the next transfer window to keep the roster competitive.
Tottenham interested in River Plate starlet
According to journalist Ekrem Konur on X, Tottenham are one of the clubs interested in signing River Plate defender Lautaro Rivero. Atletico Madrid, Juventus and RB Leipzig are also keeping tabs, but his €100M release clause stands as a major hurdle for the European clubs.
Lautaro Rivero has quickly become one of the most sought-after young defenders in South America. A product of the River Plate academy, the 21-year-old captained the reserve side. He has only broken into the River Plate first team this season, and the defender’s eye-catching performances saw him being rewarded with a call-up to the Argentina national team for the October international break matches.
Rivero made his international debut as a substitute in Argentina’s 6-0 thrashing of Puerto Rica in a friendly fixture on Tuesday. The 21-year-old is now eyeing a spot at the 2026 World Cup, with his recent performances for River Plate bringing him under the spotlight in Europe.
Tottenham must continue keeping close tabs on Rivero
Rivero has no experience playing outside of Argentina, but it is his leadership skills, reading of the game, composure on the ball and sharp positional sense that makes him such a hot prospect in South America. The recently-capped Argentina international is going strength from strength at River Plate and it is just a matter of time before he secures a big move to Europe.
The 21-year-old’s €100M release clause remains a potential obstacle for European clubs as barely anyone would be ready to splash such a big amount on a raw, unproven defensive talent. Spurs, following the fresh capital injection by the Lewis Family, have the financial strength to make a statement but it is not practical to pay Rivero’s €100M release clause.
That being said, Tottenham must wait and continue monitoring his progress at River Plate. The Hotspur Way chiefs have been measured in their transfer approach and must not recklessly decide to spend the cash in the winter window.
