Barcelona has set its sights on a top River Plate gem, aiming to bolster its squad with one of South America’s brightest talents.
Barcelona’s international scouting infrastructure continues to expand its reach across South America as the sporting department looks to secure elite young talent ahead of European market competitors.
Under the direction of sporting director Deco, the Catalan club has increasingly prioritized identifying raw, high-potential wide attackers early in their development to manage long-term squad planning.
The youngster remains under contract with River Plate until December 31, 2028, meaning any future transfer operation would require direct negotiations with the Buenos Aires club.
The player under close monitoring is 19-year-old Argentine winger Ian Subiabre.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona have been tracking the versatile attacker, who is currently gaining valuable top-flight match experience on a year-long loan at Argentine Primera División side Tigre.
Developed within the prestigious youth academy at River Plate, Subiabre’s technical dribbling ability, sharp acceleration, and directness on the flank have drawn strong comparisons to classic South American wingers.
Subiabre’s contractual situation presents a strategic opportunity for Barcelona’s recruitment team.
While Tigre holds a purchase option as part of their current loan arrangement, Barcelona are closely observing his development throughout the Torneo Clausura under manager Diego Dabove.
Should Tigre decline to exercise their buy option, Deco and Barcelona’s executive board could formalize their interest with an official opening proposal.
Pursuing Subiabre fits seamlessly into Barcelona’s broader strategy of acquiring top-tier talent before valuation spikes occur in the European market.
With Hansi Flick prioritizing pace, depth, and 1v1 capability in wide areas to support his high-intensity pressing system, tracking Subiabre allows the Catalans to build a contingency plan for their attacking rotation.
As the scouting reports continue to build over the coming months, the Argentine prodigy could quickly become one of Barcelona’s primary market targets heading into 2027.
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