Chelsea open Ian Subiabre talks as River Plate asking price revealed

One of the many notable figures in attendance throughout the tournament was Alysson Marins, Chelsea’s South American scout. The Stamford Bridge club’s transfer strategy has focused on identifying the best teenage talent in the world and Subiabre could be next to join the conveyor belt of talent. Using Marins’ knowledge, Chelsea have signed teenagers Aarón Anselmino, Estêvão and Kendry Páez from the continent in recent years and it’s understood they are exploring a deal for Subiabre. 

Who is Ian Subiabre? 

Subiabre initially had trials eight years old but remained at clubs in his hometown of Comodoro Rivadavia due to the long travelling distance to Buenos Aires. Subiabre, however, trained with River Plate’s youth teams throughout the years before joining the club permanently in 2022. Although he’s been primarily used on the right-wing, the 18-year-old can play across the frontline and has been compared in style to Julián Alvarez. 

Subiabre has only made four appearances for River Plate’s first-team but he’s shone for their reserves with 15 goal contributions in 30 games. His performances caught the eye of first-team manager Martín Demichelis with the former Manchester City defender namecking him in late 2024. He said: “We spent all of last year looking down [at the youth divisions]. Ian Subiabre, Mastantuano, they showed what they could do at the [U17] World Cup and we decided they should join our pre-season.”

Subiabre remains incredibly raw but possesses unquestionable talent with his trickery and fearlessness standing out. “His best qualities are his dribbling and vision, which allow him to play excellent through balls,” Mathias Ledesma, Transfermarkt’s data scout in Argentina said. “However, his weaknesses are that he lacks pace and he could improve his physicality, which is natural for a young player.”

How much is Ian Subiabre worth? 

Subiabre’s market value currently stands at €1.2 million due to his lack of first-team involvement but that will skyrocket in the future. The River Plate starlet, however, is the fourth most valuable Argentine U18 player, behind his teammate Mastantuano. Like many emerging South American talents, Subiabre has a release clause in his contract of €30m but Scott Christensen, Transfermakrt’s Argentina expert, believes he could be available for a lower fee – his contract also expires in 2026.

He said: “Reports suggest they wouldn’t accept anything below his €30m release clause, but they said the same thing about Echeverri and he was sold at a lower price. Considering the economy in Argentina and the latest sales made, I think they would sell for around €15/20m.” It’s understood that Chelsea have made an initial approach but he wouldn’t be expected to make an immediate first-team impact with a delayed arrival in London or a loan move to feeder club Strasbourg realistic options. “I don’t believe he has the strength for a move to Europe,” Ledesma added. “Valentín Barco is a great example as he was very promising and had a big talent but left too early and wasn’t prepared. Subiabre should develop more in the Argentine League because I don’t see him ready for Europe and even less for the Premier League.”