Platense Rejects San Lorenzo’s Initial Bid for Midfielder Leonel Picco

San Lorenzo has made a move for one of the standout performers of the Apertura 2025: midfielder Leonel Picco. However, Platense quickly turned down the initial offer of $1.1 million for 70% of the player’s rights, TyC Sports reported Tuesday. The 25-year-old was a key piece in the Calamar’s title-winning campaign and remains under contract through December 2028.

The Wilde-born midfielder originally arrived at Platense on loan from Colón in 2023. At the beginning of this year, the club purchased the 70% stake that San Lorenzo is now targeting, reportedly for around $600,000. The remaining 30% of his rights are still owned by Colón, who had signed him in 2022 from Arsenal.

Picco ranked second in tackles (65), fourth in interceptions (30), and totaled 122 recoveries during the Apertura. Those numbers have caught the attention of coach Damián Ayude, who is looking to fill the gap left by Elián Irala in central midfield.

San Lorenzo remains active in the domestic market, also eyeing Ignacio Maestro Puch (Independiente), Matías Miranda (Defensa y Justicia), and Francisco González Metilli (Belgrano) as they prepare for a competitive second half of the year.