Santos from Brazil is reportedly interested in signing 28-year-old Argentinian midfielder Santiago Ascacíbar, who is also being pursued by River Plate. There is also supposed interest from Boca. The Brazilian club, managed by Juan Pablo Vojvoda, is seeking reinforcements to rebuild after a season where they narrowly avoided relegation. Ascacíbar is on Santos' list of alternatives. Estudiantes president Juan Sebastián Verón has stated that any potential departure must be satisfactory for both the player and the club, acknowledging that while the club will try to retain him, they have a financial limit and cannot compete with offers from clubs like River and Boca. Ascacíbar, who has three caps for Argentina, is under contract with Estudiantes until the end of 2026 and has a current Transfermarkt market value of €7.00m. Ascacíbar's transfer from Hertha BSC in July 2023 was for a fee of €3.0 million. In January 2025, it was reported that Estudiantes would demand over $6 million. A swap deal from Boca Juniors was reportedly rejected in August 2025.