Central Córdoba's defender had a great semester and, due to a lack of solidity in central defense, Millonario chose to bring him back for the World Cup event
His return aims to strengthen an area where River has had a gap: the left-footed center-back position. Today, that position is covered by Paulo Díaz (or Lucas Martínez Quarta when Germán Pezzella plays), but the club has not had a natural left-footed player since the departures of Ramiro Funes Mori and, previously, David Martínez.
"River is exercising the buy-back. Unfortunately, Rivero is being taken to the Club World Cup, the club has just received the notification," stated José Félix Alfano, president of Central Córdoba.
River activated Lautaro Rivero's buy-back clause, one of the standout players at Central Córdoba de Santiago del Estero, where he was on loan. With his return to Los Millonarios, he became the first signing for the Club World Cup.
The central defender, whose contract with El Ferroviario ran until December 2026, will join the squad this Wednesday and will be included in the list of players traveling to the United States to compete in the world tournament.
At 21 years old, the center-back who came up through the youth ranks at Núñez's club had gone out on loan to gain experience and ended up being a key piece for the Santiago-based team. His performance was especially notable in the Copa Libertadores, including matches against high-profile opponents such as Flamengo. These performances prompted Gallardo to request his return after a year on loan.
Rivero fue una de las piezas clave de Central Córdoba en la Libertadores
Rivero had left on an 18-month loan from River's Reserve in mid-2024. In his first six months, he did not have many opportunities, but in 2025 he established himself as the starting second central defender. In total, he played 30 matches with the aurinegro, including all six group stage games in the current edition of the Libertadores, and scored two goals.
Alfano lamentó la salida de Rivero
The two players who could leave with Rivero's arrival
In an area of the field with high-profile names, it is already a fact that Federico Gattoni will leave the institution mid-year, when his loan from Sevilla expires. However, the recent development in defense suggests there could be more changes, and the player who appears on the way out is Leandro González Pírez.
At 33 years old, the defender has a contract in force until December. Although he is well regarded by both the squad and the coaching staff led by Marcelo Gallardo, he is currently behind Martínez Quarta, Paulo Díaz, and Pezzella in the pecking order, which could lead to his departure from the club.
