River renews interest in Román Vega as left-back search intensifies

River Plate is approaching the upcoming transfer window with surgical precision: only a few reinforcements will be made, each targeting specific gaps in the squad. And one of the club’s long-standing needs remains unresolved — a left-back. With Marcos Acuña struggling with physical issues and veteran Milton Casco now 37, Marcelo Gallardo’s coaching staff has prioritized strengthening that flank.

Back in January, Lucas Esquivel of Athletico Paranaense was the chosen one. Gallardo personally reached out to the 23-year-old, and River moved decisively. However, negotiations fell through after Paranaense’s director Mario Petraglia changed the terms. A renewed pursuit isn’t off the table, but the prior setback left a bitter taste.

In light of that, River is reassessing its options. Gabriel Suazo, the 27-year-old Chilean who recently terminated his contract with Toulouse (where he was captain and a key figure), is being considered. So is Gabriel Rojas of Racing, although his signing would be complicated by financial demands and the fact that Racing could be a direct rival in the Libertadores playoffs.

But the name gaining the most traction in recent days is Román Vega. The 21-year-old left-back from Argentinos Juniors, a product of Barcelona’s La Masía, has impressed under coach Nicolás Diez and ticks several boxes for River. Besides his steady rise in form, Vega’s versatility makes him especially attractive — he can also play as a left-sided center-back.

That dual role could be crucial. Since Ramiro Funes Mori’s departure, River has lacked a natural left-footed center-back. With Federico Gattoni set to leave, the depth chart looks even thinner. Signing Vega could solve two problems in one. The coaching staff is also weighing whether to trigger the buy-back clause for Lautaro Rivero, another left-footed defender on their radar.

Interest from Europe is already brewing — clubs like Ajax and Bologna have made inquiries, though no formal bids have been submitted yet. Vega fits River’s dual objective: reinforce the present while securing assets for the future. And in that plan, the young Argentinos star has re-emerged as a key piece of the puzzle.