River Plate targets Olympiacos midfielder Santiago Hezze

River Plate has identified 25-year-old Olympiacos midfielder Santiago Hezze as a primary transfer target for the upcoming winter window. According to TNT Sports Argentina, the Buenos Aires club is looking to strengthen its central midfield with a player who can provide tactical balance, ball recovery, and a commanding presence in the axis.

Hezze is one of five candidates currently under consideration by the River Plate management, with the list also including Guido Rodriguez, Juan Nardoni, Franco Ibarra, and Santiago Longo. While Leonardo Ponzio, a key figure in the Argentinian club's technical staff, reportedly favors the move, Olympiacos is currently reluctant to part with the player. The Greek side is expected to demand a transfer fee reaching or exceeding 20 million euros for the 25-year-old, who has a contract valid until the summer of 2028 and has recorded 149 appearances for the club.

Historically, the interest from River Plate is not new, as the team has monitored Hezze in previous transfer periods. The potential move would also reunite him with his former teammate Francisco Ortega, who joined River Plate last summer for 5 million euros. No formal negotiations have been confirmed yet, and the clubs remain in the planning stage for the winter market.