River Plate’s rising star, Franco Mastantuono, etched his name in history books with a record-breaking debut in the Superclasico against Boca Juniors at a mere 16 years old. Such a feat has inevitably drawn the attention of Europe’s footballing powerhouses.
Among those closely monitoring the young playmaker is Barcelona, with recent reports highlighting their interest in Mastantuono’s promising development. Having already amassed seven appearances for River’s first team, the teenager’s potential has not gone unnoticed by Manchester United either, according to sources from Diario AS.
In response to the mounting interest, River Plate is swiftly moving to secure their prized asset’s future, with plans to extend his contract beyond its current 2025 expiration. The club seeks to elevate Mastantuono’s release clause to €40 million, a testament to their commitment to retaining his services amidst growing European interest.
Despite the allure of European football, Mastantuono’s move across the Atlantic will have to wait until he reaches the age of 18 in 2025. However, as demonstrated by past transfers like Endrick Felipe and Vitor Roque, elite clubs are not hesitant to invest in young talents ahead of time, banking on their potential for future growth.
For Barcelona to outmaneuver their rivals in the race for Mastantuono’s signature, they must offer a proposition beyond financial prowess, showcasing a unique appeal that resonates with the young prospect’s ambitions and aspirations.