River Eyes Beltrán Return as Fiorentina Lowers Asking Price to €10M

River Plate may be working on bringing back one of its most promising strikers. According to La Página Millonaria, the Argentine club has opened formal talks with Fiorentina to re-sign Lucas Beltrán, who has fallen out of favor under new manager Raffaele Palladino.

Beltrán, 24, debuted with River in 2018 and shined during a loan spell at Colón. In 2023, he was the top scorer for Martín Demichelis’ side that won the Argentine Liga Profesional, netting 12 goals. Fiorentina then triggered his release clause, reportedly worth over €25 million, signing him through 2028.

Despite featuring in nearly every match this season —with 6 goals and 6 assists in 46 appearances— Beltrán’s position in the squad appears fragile. Fiorentina, now open to letting him go, is reportedly seeking €10 million for 80% of his rights.

Though Beltrán stated in a March interview with ESPN that he has "personal goals in Europe" and wouldn’t decide on a return himself, he acknowledged his ties to the club: “River is bigger than any name.”

Should the move happen, it would likely be for the start of next season, not for the upcoming Club World Cup, where River will also be participating.