River Set to Miss Out on Lucas Cepeda as Winger Eyes European Move

River Plate may lose another top target this transfer window. According to TyC Sports, Lucas Cepeda, the 22-year-old Chilean winger currently at Colo-Colo, has expressed his preference to move to Europe rather than join the Argentine giants. His agent has already informed River of the decision, though the club remains hopeful in case no European offer materializes.

The situation echoes River’s recent frustration with Román Vega, who ended up at Zenit, and Gabriel Suazo, another Chilean who opted to remain in Europe after leaving Toulouse. Marcelo Gallardo had shown strong interest in Cepeda following his standout performance in the 2024 Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, but talks never progressed.

Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio reported that both Bologna and Torino are actively pursuing the Chile international, with Colo-Colo open to letting him go for around $5 million. Both clubs are reportedly cleared to move forward with negotiations.

For now, River is focused on finalizing the signing of striker Maximiliano Salas while continuing to search for reinforcements at left back, central midfield, attacking midfield, and potentially center forward. While not entirely out of the race for Cepeda, River's hopes are fading as Europe takes the lead.