Setback for Gallardo: River Target Román Vega Edges Closer to European Move

While River Plate remains focused on their Club World Cup campaign, the transfer window continues to shape their plans. One of Marcelo Gallardo’s top targets, left-back Román Vega of Argentinos Juniors, now appears to be heading to Europe, Bolavip reported.

River had submitted a $5.5 million bid for the full rights to Vega, but Argentinos deemed the offer insufficient. Their valuation stood closer to $9–10 million. Enter Zenit from Russia, with an $8 million offer for 90% of the player’s rights—an amount that satisfied the Buenos Aires club.

But Vega hasn’t yet accepted. He’s hesitant to move to Russia, considering the ongoing war in Ukraine, and still dreams of playing for River. In the meantime, he's waiting to see if interest from Ajax or Bologna materializes, as those destinations appeal to him more than the Russian league.

River is not giving up. They hope Vega will resist the Zenit proposal, allowing the club to submit an improved bid. Gallardo’s need for a left-back remains urgent. With Marcos Acuña as the starter and Milton Casco the only viable backup, the position lacks depth. River had already failed to land Lucas Esquivel last window, and they don’t want this opportunity to slip away again.