River Plate in Talks With Olympiacos for Left-Back Francisco Ortega

River Plate have entered formal negotiations with Olympiacos over the signing of Argentine left-back Francisco Ortega, as the Buenos Aires club looks to strengthen its full-back options before the transfer window closes.

The 27-year-old former Vélez Sarsfield defender, who moved to Greece in 2023, is the primary target for River’s coaching staff, led by Marcelo Gallardo. According to reports from Argentine outlet Ole, Olympiacos initially set a price of €7.5 million but have since reduced their demand to €6 million. River Plate, meanwhile, have made an initial offer of around €5 million and are attempting to bridge the gap.

Ortega has reportedly told Olympiacos officials that he wants to join River, a factor that could help push the deal through. The left-back considers a return to the Argentine top flight as a significant step in his career, especially given the opportunity to play for a club of River’s stature.

Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|——|——–|
| Player | Francisco Ortega, 27, left-back |
| Current club | Olympiacos (Greece) |
| Olympiacos asking price | €6 million (down from €7.5 million) |
| River Plate offer | Around €5 million |
| Player stance | Has expressed desire to join River Plate |
| Transfer window close | Argentine window closes Friday, but River may extend if they sell or loan a player abroad |

Why the left-back position is a priority

River Plate’s need for a left-back became urgent after the club decided to cut short Matías Viña’s loan from Flamengo. Viña, who had been brought in under Gallardo’s request, is now training separately and no longer part of the first-team plans. That leaves Marcos Acuña as the only established senior option on the left side. Acuña, a regular for Argentina and a veteran of European football, is the undisputed first choice, but the club wants a reliable backup capable of competing for minutes and stepping in when needed.

Ortega’s profile fits what River are looking for: he is still in his prime at 27, has European experience, and has already worn the Argentina shirt. He was called up by Lionel Scaloni in 2023, a sign that his performances in Greece had not gone unnoticed by the national team setup.

Ortega’s time in Europe

Ortega joined Olympiacos in 2023 from Vélez Sarsfield for a fee of €4.2 million, with the Greek club acquiring 100% of his economic rights. Since then, he has made 33 appearances across all competitions in the 2024-25 season, including 10 matches in the Champions League. He scored one goal and provided two assists during that campaign.

Those numbers reflect a player who has been a regular contributor in a competitive European side, not just a squad member. His Champions League experience is particularly valuable for a club that regularly competes in the Copa Libertadores, where the intensity and travel demands are comparable.

Negotiation dynamics and the clock

The talks are not straightforward. Olympiacos are under no financial pressure to sell, and they see Ortega as a valuable asset. The reduction from €7.5 million to €6 million suggests some willingness to negotiate, but the remaining gap of about €1 million is significant in Argentine football terms.

River Plate’s strategy appears to rely on the player’s desire to leave. If Ortega continues to push for a move, Olympiacos may eventually lower their demand further or accept a structured payment plan. The Argentine transfer window officially closes on Friday at 2:00 PM local time, but River could still complete the deal if they sell or loan a player to a foreign club, which would open an additional window for replacements.

What this means for River Plate’s squad

If the transfer is completed, River would have Acuña as the starter and Ortega as the primary backup and long-term successor. That would solve a problem that has persisted since Gallardo’s return. The club had also been linked with other left-backs earlier in the window, but Ortega has emerged as the preferred option.

For the FootballGames10 audience, this is a transfer story with clear timeline and financial stakes. The outcome will affect River’s depth for the remainder of the Argentine league season and their Copa Libertadores campaign. The player’s Champions League experience is a notable detail that adds weight to his potential arrival.

Source: Ole, “River negocia por un lateral izquierdo con un club de Grecia,” https://www.ole.com.ar/river-plate/river-plate-francisco-ortega-grecia_0_lQQZXDNivp.html

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