Manchester United are linked with signing some of the world’s very best wonderkids this summer, and among those linked is Franco Mastantuono from River Plate.
Argentina has dominated international football over the past three years, completing the World Cup and Copa America double with some spectacular players, such as Lionel Messi.
However, unlike some international dynasties, Argentina has the potential to continue this path for the next decade, with some of the names coming through right now who will be in their prime during the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Manchester United’s own Alejandro Garnacho is one, along with Claudio Echeverri and Nico Paz, who are some of the exciting talents who will be stars for Argentina in the coming years, but it is Franco Mastantuono who has the potential to be the very best.
River Plate’s 17-year-old phenom is a breakout, and this summer, Mastantuono is wanted by United ahead of his 18th birthday in August. The teenager has started to become very impressive on his side, topped this past weekend with a stupendous free-kick against Boca Juniors.
Now, River Plate board member Stefano Di Carlo has broken his silence over a possible sale.
Stefano Di Carlo shares update on Franco Mastantuono’s future
Mastantuono’s talent is thought to be among the best in the world right now for his age group, with a release clause meaning he will cost just £38m this summer – a figure United are looking tempted by.
However, there is also the chance that Mastantuono will not leave this summer, which Di Carlo has suggested is more than just a possibility, as quoted by The Athletic.
“Yes, yes, that’s a certainty already”, the River Plate director explained when quizzed about whether Mastantuono will stay for the remainder of the 2025 season.
This means in his mind, Mastantuono will be sold next January at the latest, and this verdict has been backed by River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo. Speaking after the win over Boca Juniors, Gallardo predicted Mastantuono won’t leave any time soon.
“We have to support him; he’s taking his first steps. The markets are dynamic, and the financial power is strong… He’s a player who inspires enormous enthusiasm for his young age,” said Gallardo.
“He’s a kid who has his feet firmly on the ground, but it’s not a bad idea to feel he needs to keep growing. We want him to continue developing and growing as a footballer and as a person. That (his departure from the club) isn’t going to happen any time soon.”
Despite the official stance from River Plate being that a sale is not on the cards, United are reportedly leading the race for Mastantuono, according to reliable reports, which likely means the truth is somewhere in between.
If Mastantuono is not going to leave this summer, United have a blueprint to follow.
Manchester United must use Chelsea trick to secure deal to sign Franco Mastantuono
This summer, Mastantuono might not be ready for the move to England, and it is entirely possible that another six months in Argentina would be beneficial to his development.
In the case that Mastantuono won’t be making a move this summer, United should be looking to agree on personal terms and trigger the release clause in advance of him turning 18, to lock him down for the future.
However, similar to how Chelsea have done with Estevao and Kendry Paez, agreeing to sign him could then see United loan Mastantuono back to River Plate until January or next summer.
This would be good for all parties, with the player getting to continue developing before making the big jump to English football.
Waiting to try and sign Mastantuono in six or 12 months could be a mistake, as another club will likely arrange a future deal for his signature, with PSG, Chelsea and Real Madrid all interested in the wonderkid.
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