He doesn't close the door to River: Santiago Ascacíbar spoke about his future after Estudiantes' championship.

River has started to move decisively in the transfer market, and one of the names gaining momentum is Santiago Ascacíbar. At the request of Marcelo Gallardo, the management has recently initiated formal negotiations with Estudiantes to strengthen the midfield, although the recent Pincha's title and its qualification for the 2026 Copa Libertadores complicate the operation.

With the championship in the 2025 Torneo Clausura and the opportunity to play in the top continental tournament in 2026, Pincha intends to retain one of its key players and will not make it easy for the captain to leave. In Núñez, however, they remain optimistic and are closely monitoring the situation of the 28-year-old midfielder, who is considered a key piece in Muñeco's system.

In this regard, a glimmer of hope emerged after the coronation in Santiago del Estero, since Ascacíbar himself left the door open to a possible change. "I'm still here and I have one more final left," he told ESPN, and added: "Afterwards, I'll think about the future. My mind is focused here until the end of the year, and then I'll have time to think and make an assessment."

Although he acknowledged that "playing in the Libertadores is what everyone always dreams of with this club," in statements to TNT Sports, the midfielder did not completely rule out a departure. Nonetheless, the decision will only come after the Trofeo de Campeones, which Estudiantes will play against Platense next Saturday the 20th at the Estadio Único de San Nicolás de los Arroyos.

How much would River have to pay for Ruso

Ascacíbar's transfer is valued at around 6 million dollars. Although River is aiming for a market based on loans with a purchase option, in this case it could make an exception to secure the player. For now, talks are ongoing and the player's future remains open.