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Aston Villa credited with approach for River Plate goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán

Argentine reports claim the club have made contact over the 21-year-old ahead of the January window, though River are pushing to extend his contract.

By Up The Villa Newsroom19 September 2026

Aston Villa have reportedly made an approach for River Plate goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán as they look ahead to the January transfer window. According to Sport Witness, who cite Argentine outlet Soy del Millo, the club have moved beyond simply monitoring the 21-year-old and have now made contact regarding a potential deal.

No details have emerged about what form that contact took, and there is no suggestion of a formal offer or direct negotiations between the two clubs. The summer window closed on 1 September, meaning Premier League sides cannot complete any signings until the market reopens on New Year's Day.

Beltrán has established himself as River Plate's first-choice goalkeeper, making 38 appearances for the Buenos Aires club. During that run he has conceded 32 goals and recorded 17 clean sheets, performances that have attracted attention from several European teams. Real Betis and Atlético Madrid have been named among those keeping tabs on him, while Manchester City have also been mentioned in connection with the South American.

Any prospective move faces a significant obstacle. Journalist Renzo Pantich states that an agreement to extend Beltrán's current contract, which expires in December 2027, is progressing well. River intend to improve his salary and, crucially, raise his release clause substantially, with recent reports suggesting a figure in the region of €100m (£86.7m).

Securing a long-term future for their young goalkeeper is clearly a priority for River, and completing that extension before January would reshape the landscape for any interested parties. For Villa, acting before a new deal is signed could prove decisive if they wish to pursue the transfer seriously.

Goalkeeping has been a major area of change at Villa Park this year. Following Emiliano Martínez's departure to Chelsea, announced on 30 August, the club brought in Zion Suzuki from Parma during the same window. Whether Beltrán represents further competition for the position or an alternative long-term plan remains unclear at this early stage.

What we know

Single source: Sport Witness relaying a claim from Argentine outlet Soy del Millo.
No fee mentioned, no confirmation of direct club-to-club talks or a formal offer.
Beltran's current River deal expires in December 2027; renewal talks said to be progressing.
Real Betis, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City have also been linked previously.
Transfer window is closed until 1 January 2027, so any move would be for January at the earliest.
Villa signed Zion Suzuki from Parma in August after Emiliano Martinez left for Chelsea.