Who Is Santiago Lencina? The Argentinian Wonderkid That Has Caught The Eye Of Europe’s Elite

Santiago Lencina is the latest Argentinian to catch the eye of Europe’s elite sides and the River Plate star could be heading to Serie A in 2026.

Who Is Santiago Lencina?

Argentina is renowned for producing some of the greatest talents in soccer history, with Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona being regarded as two of the best players of all-time.

Maradona made a lasting impact on Italian soccer, making 258 appearances for Napoli, winning the Serie A and having the club stadium named after him in December 2020.

With that in mind, Argentina have produced another youngster that will be looking to emulate the career Maradona, as Santiago Lencina rises up the ranks at River Plate.

Lencina made his senior debut for River Plate in August 2024 at just 18-years-old after working his way through the ranks in Nunez, Buenos Aires.

Since then, the 20-year-old has gone on to make 19 appearances for the Argentine Primera Division side and has scored three-goals in six Torneo Clausura starts.

Despite a strong campaign in his first professional season, Lencina is yet to earn a cap for Argentinian national team and is unlikely to be selected for the 2026 World Cup.

The competition takes place in Argentina’s neighboring continent, the United States, however Donald Trump is still suggesting changes to the tournament – with suggestions like removing Boston as a host city.

Pushing for a World Cup place will be in the back of Lencina’s mind at this current moment in time, as River Plate have picked-up just 18 points from their 11 league matches so far.

Lencina himself has struggled himself, as River Plate have lost six out of the last seven matches where the Argentinian has been on the pitch.

Although the end product has struggled in recent weeks, Lencina’s talent has been clear to see and has already seen comparisons to both Messi and Mardona – with Lencina also being left-footed and resembling a similar frame at 5ft 6in.

His deal with River Plate is set to expire in June of next year and the Argentine has attracted interest from sides across the globe, making a move to Serie A possible.

Could Santiago Lecina Move To Serie A?

As we have previously touched on, the Argentinian nation has made a big impact on Italian soccer, with Maradona being the biggest example of this throughout history.

The likes of Javier Zanetti, Diego Milito, Angel Di Maria and many more have also set the Serie A alight and Lencina could be the next player to do so.

Another South American star has also caught the eye in Italy, with Vitor Roque being linked to AC Milan and the Rossoneri could also enter the race for Lencina’s signature.

However, Milan’s city-based rivals may act as stiff competition, as Inter Milan’s club captain, Lautaro Martinez, could play an important role in convincing his fellow countryman to join the Nerazzurri.

Another side that would provide a slightly smaller jump and also has a big Argentine contingent is Parma, as the Serie A side currently have five players from the South American nation on their roster.

Signing for one of Europe’s biggest sides in 2026 could be slightly too soon for Lencina and Parma could act as a perfect middle ground for the youngster to learn his craft.

An exact transfer fee is yet to be confirmed, as River Plate have not set an asking price, but if the club does not agree a new deal with Lencina then he could be available for free in June 2026.