Sunderland-linked Bruno Cabral agrees River Plate deal with €100m release clause

River Plate have moved to protect highly-rated striker Bruno Cabral after the teenager previously attracted interest from Sunderland and leading Bundesliga clubs.

The Argentine club have agreed Cabral's first professional contract, according to TyC Sports, with the deal set to run until December 2028 and include a €100million (£84.9million) release clause.

Cabral is still only 15 and cannot formally sign professional terms until turning 16 on 16 August, but River have reached an agreement in advance after his performances attracted attention from Europe.

Sunderland's interest dates back to December 2025, when TyC Sports reported that the Premier League club had made enquiries about the young striker.

Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen were also named among his European admirers.

The attention followed an exceptional year in River's youth system. Cabral scored 34 goals in 28 matches during 2025 after previously registering 26 goals in 2024.

He also emerged as one of the standout performers at the Messi Cup in Miami, where River won the tournament and Cabral finished with seven goals from five matches as both the leading scorer and MVP.

His goals at the tournament came against Barcelona, Manchester City and Chelsea, while he scored a hat-trick against Inter and twice against Atletico Madrid.

Cabral has also been a prolific scorer for Argentina at Under-15 level.

River's agreement significantly changes the position for clubs that have been monitoring Cabral.

The Argentine side had reportedly wanted to secure his future earlier but could not give him professional terms because of his age.

With the framework of a deal now agreed, River will have contractual protection once Cabral is eligible to sign. The €100million release clause is a clear indication of how highly the club value one of their leading academy prospects.

The contract is due to run until the end of 2028.

There is currently no indication that Sunderland have renewed their approach or are preparing an offer. Their previous interest nevertheless shows that the Black Cats were monitoring Cabral before River had secured an agreement over his first professional contract.

Cabral has previously described himself as a striker who is comfortable moving away from the penalty area to become involved in build-up play.

He also likes attacking space behind defensive lines and considers his speed, dribbling ability and physical strength among his main qualities.

Julian Alvarez, another striker developed by River before moving to European football, is a player Cabral has identified as an inspiration.

His scoring record has already generated considerable attention, but the teenager remains at the beginning of his development. River's new agreement gives the Argentine club greater control over what happens if Sunderland or other European sides return in the future.

Cabral will be able to formally sign professional terms after turning 16 on 16 August. Sunderland's previous interest remains noteworthy, but there is no evidence at present of a renewed approach. River's agreement means any future pursuit would take place with the Argentine club in a considerably stronger contractual position.