After Claudio Echeverri was signed by Manchester City, the next of the River Plate production line is Franco Mastantuono. The 17-year-old has been making waves in Argentina, and Real Madrid are thought to be in prime position to secure his signing.
Mastantuono has become a starter for River in recent weeks, and proved why with an 87th minute-winner on Sunday night at El Monumental. Mastantuono stepped up to take a late free-kick, and fired it into the top corner, with Sarmiento goalkeeper Lucas Acosta not even bothering to dive.
#RealMadrid target Franco Mastantuono with a reminder of why he is considered one of the best talents in Argentina right now…pic.twitter.com/VTBHTeAZGc
— Football España (@footballespana_) July 29, 2024
It was said last week that River officials were in Madrid to negotiate for Mastantuono, but Diario AS have denied that to be the case. He has a €41m release clause in his contract, but Real Madrid are reluctant to pay it.
⚡️ Monumental, Franco ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/WrVg88XOdD
— River Plate (@RiverPlate) July 29, 2024
Mastantuono is already believed to have reached an agreement in principle on personal terms with Real Madrid though, and it seems likely Los Blancos will negotiate on his fee. Mastantuono’s deal is only valid until 2026, meaning River will risk losing him for free if they do not lock him into a new deal, or sell him in the next 12 months.
