River Plate Eyeing LA Galaxy Prospect | OneFootball

Here’s a story that might not ring a bell for a lot of folks in the U.S., but it sure has the makings of a big deal in the months to come: Julián Aude, the 21-year-old left-back from LA Galaxy. Aude, who came to the MLS after a solid stint at Lanús in Argentina, has found his name popping up on River Plate’s radar. For those unfamiliar, River Plate is one of the most iconic and successful clubs in Argentina.

Aude joined LA Galaxy last year as a future investment. This kid already had experience in Argentina’s top flight and came with the prestigious Lanús youth academy stamp of approval, a place known for crafting serious talent. His playing style is quick, dynamic, and offensively strong, a blend that’s caught the eye of anyone looking to strengthen their left side.

But let’s be real, life in the MLS isn't always the fairytale some might think, especially for young South American talent. Unlike the Premier League or La Liga, where a move to Europe usually brings instant recognition, the U.S. league still deals with that “retirement league” tag. Sure, it’s changing, but the road to stardom here is still a bit bumpy.

As for Aude, he hasn’t exactly set the MLS on fire, but he’s also not been a flop. He’s solid, young, and shows a lot of potential. And that’s exactly what River Plate seems to be eyeing.

Let’s not forget, River Plate is no small fish in the pond. One of the most decorated clubs in South America, they’re experts at nurturing and reviving talent. If we take a look at their current squad, they’ve got Enzo Díaz, who came in from Talleres last year and quickly made himself a starter. And then there’s Milton Casco, an experienced veteran, who may not be in his prime anymore but still brings consistency. So, left-back isn’t exactly a pressing need for them right now.

But here’s the kicker: football isn’t just about having a dream starting eleven. River Plate could be thinking long term, bringing Aude in to challenge for a spot. Or they might see him as a smart investment, buying low, developing him, and selling him for a profit in a few seasons. It’s a move they’ve pulled off time and time again.

For Aude, the River Plate offer could be a real crossroads in his career. On one hand, he’s already in the U.S., playing in a league that’s growing each year, with the potential to use it as a springboard to Europe. But on the other hand, going back to Argentina would give him a much higher profile, competing in the Copa Libertadores, playing intense clásicos against Boca Juniors and Racing, and possibly even catching the eye of Argentina’s national team.

The Galaxy are known for investing big, but also for holding on to their talents when the situation calls for it. Aude’s still under contract, so it’s unlikely he’d leave for cheap. For River Plate to pull this off, they'd have to dig deep into their pockets, something Argentine clubs don't always have the luxury of doing, given the financial constraints they’re often under.

There’s also the broader picture. It’s rare for players to go from the MLS back to South America, usually, the move is the other way around, with players from Argentina heading to the U.S. for the financial stability. If Aude does make the switch back, it could signal that he’s not convinced the MLS is the future for him, or that River Plate has a strong enough project to reel him in.

For now, though, it’s all still speculation. River Plate’s interested, sure, but that doesn’t mean the deal will be an easy one. Aude might be open to the idea of heading back to Argentina, but ultimately, this decision isn’t just in his hands.