River is targeting Maximiliano Salas and would trigger the clause to take him from Racing.

River wants Maximiliano Salas and is willing to pay whatever it takes to secure his arrival. The leadership of the Núñez club would execute the release clause of Racing's forward, valued at 8 million euros, to fulfill one of the express requests of Marcelo Gallardo, who considers him a key piece to cover the departure of Franco Mastantuono.

Aware of the interest from the Millonario, Racing tried to retain the striker by offering him an improved contract to make him one of the highest-paid players on the squad. However, Salas didn't sign the new deal, which fueled rumors about his imminent departure.

River would pay a multi-million sum for the attacking midfielder who was essential in Academia's triumph in the Copa Sudamericana 2024, where he scored a goal in the final against Cruzeiro. The deal would place him among the most expensive signings in the history of the Núñez club.

For those in Avellaneda, it would be a very significant loss. Salas has been the ideal complement to Maravilla Martínez in the attack and his absence would represent a major blow ahead of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores against Peñarol. The academic leadership is already evaluating alternatives to replace him, although they acknowledge that there aren't many options with his profile in Gustavo Costas's squad.

Salas's performance at Racing

Since his arrival in 2024, the forward has played 76 official matches wearing Racing's jersey and scored 13 goals. He was a key player in the triumphs of the Copa Sudamericana 2024 and the Recopa Sudamericana 2025, where Academia defeated Cruzeiro and Botafogo, respectively.