Club Atlético River Plate hold a purchase priority for Paraguayan forward Pedro Zarza, a 19-year-old talent currently at Olimpia. This clause, agreed in January 2024, requires the Paraguayan club to negotiate with River first if they receive a formal offer for the player, giving the Argentine side the option to match any bid and acquire his registration rights.
The priority on Zarza and defender Alan Ledesma was established as part of the transfer that sent midfielder Franco Alfonso to Olimpia. In that deal, River allowed Alfonso to leave on a free transfer for three years in exchange for retaining 50% of his economic rights and securing this future advantage over two promising youngsters. The mechanism does not oblige River to exercise the option but guarantees them first refusal should external interest arise.
Zarza's rising profile
Pedro Zarza has recently gained prominence with the Paraguay national team, starring in the South American Games. The forward scored the winning goal against Argentina in the tournament's initial phase, held at Newell's stadium, and was part of the squad that went on to win the competition. Described as fast and a skilled dribbler, Zarza can operate on either wing, is predominantly right-footed but scored with his left foot in that final.
His experience at Olimpia under manager Martín Palermo includes 11 appearances and three matches in the 2025 Copa Libertadores. Previously, he accumulated 35 games during a loan spell at Trinidense. River fans saw him in action during a 2024 friendly against Olimpia, where he created the play that led to an own goal by Ramiro Funes Mori, in a match the Millonarios won 3-1.
Context in River's season
This news about the club's transfer strategy comes as River Plate, eighth in the Liga Profesional with 13 points from 10 games, prepares to visit Sarmiento Junín this Saturday. The team arrives with a run of three wins, one draw, and one defeat in their last five outings, looking to climb the standings. The priority on Zarza represents a valuable tool for the club as it monitors the reinforcement landscape for the future. Supporters can check the team's full schedule on our fixtures page and the squad situation in the squad section.
River Plate will continue to monitor Zarza's situation at Olimpia and will be ready to activate their right of first refusal if another club makes a formal approach for the young Paraguayan.
