According to TYC, River conducted a concrete search for Sebastián Villa, and the player expressed intentions to play there. While several parties were interested in signing him, no agreement was reached with the management. As a result, Villa will continue with Independiente Rivadavia. The directors issued an ultimatum to Villa to return to practice and agreed on a new release clause of six million dollars, which is effective from July 1.

River was one of the main clubs that negotiated for Sebastián Villa, but the operation ended due to what were described as insurmountable differences. Daniel Vila stated that there were conversations with River but that at the last minute, following several weeks of analysis, they decided not to proceed with the deal. Vila added that the matter ended there. He also emphasized that the 12 million dollars figure never existed and that it was something that came from social media, stating he did not know why, as that number was never real.

Daniel Vila confirmed River Plate's interest in Sebastián Villa and said he was in talks with River's president. Vila stated that he gave the player's price to the president, who said he would respond but has not, with Vila adding that they must be evaluating it. Vila also noted that River Plate made an offer and showed interest, but the transfer is unlikely due to a large financial difference between the clubs. He stated that the price at which Independiente Rivadavia values Villa is much higher than what River Plate is willing to pay. According to Vila, the player wanted to leave at the end of the year, and the club is working on his departure. Vila confirmed Villa is currently in Medellín, Colombia, training for preseason by himself, and that the club prefers him to stay there due to the tense situation in Argentina. Vila also mentioned that in June of the previous year, Villa had a significant offer to leave Independiente Rivadavia but remained with the club in exchange for the captaincy.

According to TYC, Sebastián Villa desires to be managed by Marcelo Gallardo and to play for River. Villa publicly expressed this desire, despite his past at Boca. The report adds that Villa has left Independiente Rivadavia, is pushing for a move to River, and rejected an important proposal from Santos because River is his priority.