Luka Romero Emerges as a Transfer Target for River Plate During the Winter Window

The global transfer market is in full motion, and Cruz Azul is no exception. In recent hours, the name Luka Romero has surfaced — not as a potential arrival, but as a possible departure — after reports from Argentina linked the midfielder with River Plate.

According to multiple reports, the Argentine giants are evaluating the option of adding the Cruz Azul player during the current transfer window. However, there is no formal negotiation at this stage, and Romero remains part of the sporting plans of current Cruz Azul head coach Nicolás Larcamón.

On radio station Splendid AM 990, journalist Leo Uranga revealed that Luka Romero’s name appears on River Plate’s shortlist as a possible reinforcement for the squad led by Marcelo Gallardo. The River manager reportedly has positive references of the player due to his background in European football and his Argentine heritage.

The interest is not entirely new. Uranga recalled that Boca Juniors previously explored a move for Romero, but the deal collapsed because it did not include a purchase option. Cruz Azul invested just over three million dollars a year ago to secure Romero’s transfer from Europe, a figure that reflects the club’s long-term bet on his development.

At just 21 years old, Romero is under contract with Cruz Azul until mid-2030, a key factor that strengthens the club’s position against any external inquiries. While he has yet to fully establish himself as a consistent starter, he remains well regarded by both the sporting directorate and the coaching staff.

Under Larcamón’s management, Romero appeared in 18 matches last semester and has already seen minutes in both games of the current tournament, coming off the bench in each appearance.

River Plate would reportedly be interested in a one-year loan, but that scenario is viewed as unlikely in La Noria. Romero is registered as a Mexican player, helps fulfill the league’s minutes regulation, and could play a more prominent role during a potential Liguilla, especially with possible absences due to national team call-ups ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

For now, Luka Romero remains part of Cruz Azul’s project, and any negotiation would need to clearly benefit the club. While River Plate’s historical stature could naturally attract the player’s attention, Cruz Azul holds a strong contractual and sporting position in this situation.