River Plate’s general secretary, Stefano Di Carlo has confirmed that Franco Mastantuono will continue at the club until the end of the year despite the youngster’s links with Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Manchester City.
While some of the biggest clubs are after his signature, Di Carlo has ensured the fans that he is not going anywhere this year as manager Marcelo Gallardo wants him around and that Franco Mastantuono also wishes to continue his development in Argentina for now.
While speaking about the 17-year-old’s future, Di Carlo said via : “Mastantuono is staying at River Plate for the entire year, that’s a given. He further added, “there are constant questions,” but that “the focus is on River Plate.”
Mastantuono has come up the ranks at River Plate, and he has been a part of their first team since the start of 2024. His impressive rise and exceptional performances at the youth level have put him on the radar of some of the biggest clubs in the world.
Manchester United and Real Madrid are two clubs that have been following him for a while now. With the youngster turning 18 this summer, both cubs could try to lure him away. But they are unlikely to succeed as River Plate have already made their stance clear.
Both Real Madrid and Manchester United are constantly scouting for young talents with immense potential, and they are keen not to miss out on the Argentine prodigy, who could develop into a future star. While River Plate have decided to keep hold of Franco Mastantuono for now, they will struggle to keep him in their ranks for long.
If a club does end up knocking on their door next season, River Plate will point towards his €45 million buyout clause. With the teenager’s contract running until 2026, the Argentine outfit have started working on a new deal as it will help preserve his value and increase the clause.
While River Plate do not intend on selling him in 2025, a report from Fichajes has suggested Manchester City are preparing a bumper offer to prise him away. He is one of the most exciting talents in South America, and Pep Guardiola is keen on having him in his ranks.
The Manchester City manager believes the versatile star could easily fit into his system. He can create, score as well help control the tempo. The teenager could even be an ideal long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne. While there is interest in him from other top clubs, City are preparing a serious offer to get ahead of the competition. Since River Plate have no intentions of doing a deal this summer, it will be interesting to see how things pan out.
