Lucas Beltran Finally Accepts River Plate Move: Official €6M Transfer from Fiorentina

FolioPitch.com – 02 July 2026 | In a development that has been eagerly anticipated, Official Beltran finally accepts River Plate from Fiorentina for 6m. The Argentine striker has agreed to return to his boyhood club after months of speculation, with Fiorentina pocketing €6 million and retaining 50 percent of any future sale fee. The transfer, announced by River Plate, sees Beltran join on loan until June 2027 with an obligation to buy, bringing an end to a protracted saga that saw the player resist a return to South America last year.

Beltran, 25, originally came through River Plate’s youth academy before moving to Fiorentina in the summer of 2023 for €19.7 million. However, his time in Italy was marked by inconsistency, and after a loan spell at Valencia, where he scored three goals and provided two assists in 30 competitive appearances, the versatile forward was deemed surplus to requirements in Florence. Reports from both Italy and Argentina indicated that the two clubs had reached a full agreement last week, but the final hurdle was convincing Beltran to accept a move back to his homeland. Having previously been adamant about breaking into European leagues at his age, the striker has now relented.

Fiorentina’s decision to sell Beltran represents a significant financial hit, as they originally invested nearly €20 million in the player. The deal includes a clause that entitles the Italian club to half of any future transfer fee, a move that mitigates some of the loss. For River Plate, the acquisition of Beltran bolsters their attacking options as they aim to compete both domestically and in the Copa Libertadores. Beltran’s versatility allows him to play as a central striker or on the wings, providing tactical flexibility for manager Marcelo Gallardo.

The timing of the transfer is crucial for River Plate, who have been seeking a proven goalscorer to lead their line. Beltran’s experience in Europe, despite his struggles, brings a level of sophistication and knowledge of top-level football. He will be expected to hit the ground running, given the high expectations at the Monumental. His return also marks a full-circle moment, as he left River Plate as a promising youngster and returns as a seasoned professional eager to rediscover his best form.

This deal underscores the evolving dynamics of the transfer market, where clubs in South America are increasingly able to attract players back from Europe, especially those who have not fully established themselves abroad. Official Beltran finally accepts River Plate from Fiorentina for 6m, a move that benefits all parties: Fiorentina recovers part of its investment, River Plate acquires a talent they know well, and Beltran gets a fresh start in familiar surroundings.

Looking ahead, Beltran’s integration into the River Plate squad will be closely monitored. The club’s fans are known for their passionate support but also high demands. If Beltran can recapture the form that earned him a big-money move to Italy, he could become a key figure in River Plate’s push for silverware. Conversely, failure to perform could see his career stagnate further. With the obligation to buy, River Plate are committed to making this move permanent, signaling their belief in his potential.

In conclusion, the completion of this transfer marks the end of a long-running transfer saga. Official Beltran finally accepts River Plate from Fiorentina for 6m, and with it, a new chapter begins for the striker. It is a testament to the allure of returning to one’s roots and the pragmatic decisions players sometimes make to revive their careers. For River Plate, it is a statement of intent, while for Fiorentina, it is a chance to move on and reinvest. All eyes will now be on Beltran as he dons the famous white and red stripes once again.