Tottenham make formal contact in ‘last few hours’ to sign £22m South American star – report
Tottenham Hotspur have initiated formal discussions with River Plate regarding the potential acquisition of 18-year-old sensation Ian Subiabre, according to emerging reports from Argentina.
The North London club’s latest scouting mission to South America reflects their ongoing strategy of identifying elite young talent from the continent’s most prestigious production line.
River Plate’s famed academy has become synonymous with developing world-class attacking talent, having previously nurtured current stars Enzo Fernández and Julián Álvarez before their moves to Europe.
The Argentine giants continue this tradition with emerging talents like Franco Mastantuono, who recently secured a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid.
Now, Subiabre appears next in line to follow this well-trodden path from Buenos Aires to European football’s elite.
Spurs’ approach for the left-footed winger demonstrates their commitment to building for both immediate and long-term success.
While River Plate remain steadfast in their £22 million release clause demand – a stance that previously deterred Chelsea – Tottenham are crafting an innovative proposal featuring staggered payments and potential sell-on clauses to facilitate a deal.
This negotiation strategy mirrors their successful acquisition of Alejo Véliz from Rosario Central last year.
Subiabre’s profile as an inverted left winger offers Tottenham something currently lacking in their attacking options.
The teenager has already gained valuable first-team experience as a rotational option for River Plate while representing Argentina at U20 level during this year’s CONMEBOL Championship.
His technical proficiency and tactical intelligence have drawn comparisons to compatriot Ángel Di María in his formative years.
Tottenham’s recent recruitment of young talents like Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert, and Lucas Bergvall demonstrates their willingness to integrate promising prospects into the first-team setup.
Subiabre would likely follow a similar development path under manager Ange Postecoglou, who has shown particular aptitude for nurturing young attacking players throughout his coaching career.
The potential transfer carries significant symbolism for Tottenham’s evolving transfer policy. By competing with Europe’s elite for South America’s brightest prospects, Spurs are signaling their ambition to establish themselves as genuine contenders on multiple fronts.
The club’s ability to negotiate with River Plate – notoriously difficult sellers when it comes to their prized academy products – would represent a major coup for their recruitment team.
As the summer window progresses, Tottenham’s pursuit of Subiabre may emerge as one of the more intriguing subplots.
While the Argentine club’s firm stance presents an obvious obstacle, Spurs’ creative approach to structuring deals could prove decisive.
Should they succeed, they would secure another exciting addition to their growing collection of young talent while further strengthening their foothold in South America’s fiercely competitive transfer market.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Tottenham’s interest crystallizes into a formal offer, but their proactive approach suggests they view Subiabre as a potential difference-maker for years to come.
In a transfer market increasingly dominated by exorbitant fees for established stars, Spurs appear determined to stay ahead of the curve by investing in football’s next generation of elite attacking talent.