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Kevin Castaño to Atlético Mineiro

Quiet since 11 August 2026. Last report: Cesar Luis Merlo. Probability when it went quiet: 8%.

Kevin Castaño's move from River Plate to Atlético Mineiro is effectively done. The two clubs have been exchanging documentation since 8 August for a one-year loan that includes a purchase option of €5m for 60% of the Colombian midfielder's rights. River had pushed for an obligation to buy; Atlético Mineiro held out for a conditional option tied to performance objectives, and that is the structure they have settled on. Castaño, 25, would sign through 31 December 2028 if the option is triggered. The story rests on solid ground. Cesar Luis Merlo, the most credible voice in Argentine football transfer reporting, broke the agreement on 6 August with a clean «TratoHecho» tag. German Garcia Grova followed with the specific financial and structural detail two days later, confirming the documentation exchange. Two independent sources pointing in the same direction, with the more senior of them calling it exclusively, gives this real weight. With paperwork already moving between the clubs, this is as close to done as a transfer gets without a medical being announced. The only realistic obstacle is an administrative snag during the final document exchange. Vasco da Gama have been mentioned as a distant alternative, but there is nothing in the reporting to suggest they are a live threat at this stage. This should complete. River have form selling at exactly this level. They moved players to Atlético Mineiro itself in 2021 for €5m, and sold to Atlanta and Genoa at the same figure. A €5m valuation for a 25-year-old Colombian international who featured at the World Cup sits squarely in li

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