Manchester United are reportedly heavily scouring one of River Plate’s new South American stars, with a move to Europe in 2026 looking likely.
Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close eye on one River Plate prodigy, with club scouts actively monitoring the young talent as he continues to impress in Argentina’s top flight.
The Red Devils have long shown a key interest in South America’s prospects, and this latest target appears to be the next standout to emerge from River Plate’s renowned Academy system, which has produced stars like Javier Mascherano, Gonzalo Higuaín, and Erik Lamela.
United are intensifying their pursuit of one of River Plate’s most exciting young prospects, Ian Subiabre, with scouts regularly attending matches in Argentina to monitor his progress.
The player has become one of the standout performers in River Plate’s youth setup, drawing comparisons with some of the club’s most celebrated exports.
Scouts track River Plate’s newest talent
According to reports from United in Focus, United’s scouts have been “frequent visitors” at River Plate games in recent weeks. Their focus has been on assessing the 18-year-old’s consistency, decision-making, and temperament under pressure—key traits that United value highly in potential recruits.
The buzz around Subiabre has grown rapidly, with local media in Buenos Aires tipping him as the next major star to come off River Plate’s renowned production line.
The club’s academy has long been a factory for elite talent, producing international stars such as Javier Mascherano, Gonzalo Higuaín, and, more recently, Julián Álvarez — now shining in La Liga with Atletico Madrid.
While United have yet to make a formal approach, the groundwork appears to be well underway. The club’s scouting network in South America has been expanded in recent seasons, and the player in question fits their growing interest in developing long-term assets rather than relying solely on big-money signings.
It is also noted that a transfer to Europe is becoming ‘increasingly likely’ for Subiabre in 2026 as he continues to rise through the ranks.
A new recruitment strategy emerging at Old Trafford
In recent years, United have made a conscious effort to modernise their recruitment strategy. Rather than focusing exclusively on established stars, the club is now prioritising young, high-upside players who can be moulded into future first-team contributors.
This shift has already been reflected in recent moves for teenage talent across Europe and South America, with the club set to sign Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza in Colombia for just £750,000 once he turns 18 in 2026.
By targeting players earlier in their careers, United aim to stay ahead of rival clubs in the global talent race. The Premier League’s financial power gives the club an advantage, but their challenge lies in identifying and securing the right prospects before their value skyrockets.
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River Plate’s reputation as a talent hub makes it an ideal scouting ground for European giants. The club’s academy system not only focuses on technical development but also instils a deep tactical understanding of the game qualities that translate well to European football.
For United, such players represent long-term investments. Even if they require time to adapt to English football, the potential rewards both on the pitch and financially are significant. The current scouting mission in Argentina highlights how seriously the club is taking its renewed focus on South America.
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