Barcelona Keeps an Eye on River Plate's Young Talent
FC Barcelona is determined not to miss out on future South American stars, and their latest target is River Plate's midfielder, Franco Mastantuono. According to Mundo Deportivo, a Barça scout traveled to Argentina at the end of October and early November to personally evaluate the 17-year-old’s performance in several Copa Libertadores matches, showing that the club is closely monitoring this promising Argentine talent.
Mastantuono, born in August 2007, is known for his exceptional ball control and offensive capabilities despite his young age. In a recent match against Atlético Mineiro, the young midfielder came off the bench in the 58th minute, although he couldn't directly impact the final score, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Although he didn't score or assist in that game, his talent remains undeniable, drawing interest from several European clubs, including Barcelona, which is looking to bolster its squad with young prospects.
However, Barça faces the harsh reality of its financial constraints, and for now, their interest in Mastantuono is purely exploratory. With a recently renewed contract extending until December 2026 and a release clause that can reach up to 50 million euros in the final days of each transfer window, River Plate has secured the young star's stay. This strategic move by the Argentine club has temporarily cooled off the chances of an immediate transfer.
Nevertheless, Barça’s attention to Mastantuono signals their clear intention to rejuvenate their squad with talented players who can bring freshness and dynamism in the future. The Catalan club isn't alone in its pursuit, as other European giants like Real Madrid have also shown interest in the midfielder, who won't be eligible to move to Europe until he turns 18 next August.
Amid all the transfer speculation, Mastantuono has chosen to focus on his development at River Plate, thus avoiding becoming the center of a potential media frenzy. Despite the ongoing rumors, his priority remains to grow as a footballer in Argentina, while European powerhouses continue to closely monitor his progress.
