Brighton & Hove Albion are again looking to South America for defensive talent, and Lautaro Rivero is now emerging as a name to watch.
The 22-year-old River Plate centre-back is yet to make the headlines in Europe. However, his recent performance suggests that he is moving quickly in that direction.
A left-footed defender, Rivero has begun to establish himself at the senior level after returning from a loan spell at Central Córdoba. He was a midfielder during his youth academy days, so his abilities with the ball caught everyone’s attention. Since then, he has become a more regular presence under Marcelo Gallardo.
His profile matches what Brighton often target. He is comfortable on the ball, tactically aware and developing within a structured system.
Defensive Profile and Underlying Numbers
Rivero’s data from the current campaign reinforces that notion.
He averages 1.59 interceptions per 90 minutes, which puts him in a strong percentage for reading the game. Additionally, he has recorded 1.94 tackles per 90 and 3.87 clearances, showing solid defensive involvement without being overly aggressive.
The important thing is that he has not made a single mistake for a shot or a goal so far. This suggests a level of composure and decision making which is important for a player at the very beginning of his top level career.
In the air, he wins 2.16 duels per 90, which again indicates reliability rather than dominance.
However, his extraordinary numbers came in possession. Rivero averages over 60 passes per 90 minutes, with a completion rate of 86%. These figures place them among the most active distributors on the team and underline their role in the construction stages.
This combination points to a defender who is more positional and controlled than offensive – a profile often favored by Brighton’s recruitment model.
Brighton’s interest begins to take shape
Against that backdrop, reports from Argentina suggest that Brighton have already started looking behind the scenes.
Journalist Sebastian Srur have said that Rivero’s representative – specifically the same agent as Enzo Fernandez – is currently in England. According to him, Brighton is “Try, ask, investigate… say whatever you want.” Regarding the protector.
Sarur stopped short of confirming the formal bid. Nevertheless, the tone indicates preliminary groundwork rather than passive interest.
He also said Rivero has a €100m (£86.5m) release clause, although this has been described as largely symbolic and designed to strengthen River Plate’s negotiating position.
As things stand, the expectation is that interest may increase heading into the summer window, especially if its current levels continue.
A profile that fits Brighton’s model
Brighton have built a reputation for identifying defenders before they reach full market value. Rivero appears to fit that strategy.
It’s not a finished product yet. The amount of his duels remains moderate, and he still needs to prove himself at a consistently high level. Yet his composure, passing output and defensive reads provide a strong foundation.
If Brighton are indeed laying the groundwork now, it will follow a familiar pattern. Move early, build relationships and establish yourself before wider European competition arrives.
What happens next may depend less on whether interest is present or not, and more on how quickly it turns into something concrete.
🇧🇷 Special: Alvaro Montoro ‼️
➡️Brighton interest texter meets financial crisis
➡️ #BHAFC The official saw them against Gremio
➡️ Traveled to Porto Alegre especially for Montoro
➡️ Pedro Reinert explains the situation in Brazil…https://t.co/jLvcE1ZoHR– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 19 March 2026
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