The arms race for talented footballers between Europe’s top clubs has become increasingly pronounced over the last few years, and as ever, is magnified through the prism of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Both have been linked with River Plate starlet Franco Mastantuono, but the 16-year-old is set to sign a new deal with the Argentine giants.
Mastantuono became the youngest player ever to play in a SuperClasico against Boca Juniors in recent months, and has already been linked to a move to Europe two years ahead of when he could make the move legally, at the age of 18.
🚨 Barça are very attentive to Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono (16) of River Plate. @joaquimpiera 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/e0kHa11Q3V
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) February 28, 2024
As per Cesar Luis Merlo, he will be more expensive for any side that wants him. While previously his release clause was at €30m, his new contract will be signed on Tuesday, including an increase of the clause to €45m. In the final 10 days of the transfer window, that figure will go up even further to €50m.
🚨[EXCLUSIVO] River acordó la renovación de contrato y el blindaje de Franco Mastantouno, que pasará a tener la cláusula de rescisión más alta del fútbol argentino.
*️⃣Será de €45M y, 10 días antes del cierre del libro de pases, subirá a 50M. El vínculo incluye un aumento… pic.twitter.com/tBOpCdKgIA— César Luis Merlo (@CLMerlo) March 17, 2024
His new deal will last until December of 2026, when he will be able to move to Europe. Unsurprisingly, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Manchester City have also been cited as interested parties.
🚨Franco Mastantouno firmará mañana su nuevo contrato con River hasta diciembre de 2026. 🔴⚪
*️⃣Su nueva cláusula de salida será de €45M y subirá a 50 diez días antes del cierre del libro de pases, tal como se adelantó.— César Luis Merlo (@CLMerlo) March 18, 2024
If he were to have his clause activated, Mastantuono would become the record sale for River Plate and an Argentine team too. Given their financial issues, it looks as if Mastantuono is out of reach for Barcelona at this point, but the same could have been said for Vitor Roque before his move, costing the Blaugrana €30m plus €31m in variables.
