Franco Mastantuono: Could Barça Snatch River's 'Gem' from Real Madrid?

Franco Mastantuono is the footballer of the moment in Argentina. The 17-year-old midfielder scored a spectacular free kick in Sunday's Clásico against Boca Juniors (2-1) to give the victory to his team, River Plate, with whom he already has 7 goals in 55 official matches.

In that sense, the good moment of the youth player with the team led by Marcelo Gallardo has consolidated him as the player with the best projection in Argentine football four months before reaching the age of majority.

And the value in Transfermarkt already reaches 15 million euros and, so far, he has 4 goals and 2 assists in 13 matches (10 as a starter) with the 'millionaire' team this 2025.

How much would Barça have to pay for Franco Mastantuono?

Therefore, Mastantuono has been on Real Madrid's radar for several months, but also FC Barcelona is also very attentive to his future. In principle, River will ask for 45 million euros for his transfer, although his contract expires in December 2026.

The River Plate club already earned 18.5 million from the sale of Claudio Echeverry to Manchester City in 2023, so they hope to bill a much higher amount for their new 'gem'. Franco can play as a midfielder or right inside, although he also usually acts as an attacking midfielder or right winger in Gallardo's scheme.

His main attribute is the hitting from medium and long distance, as well as the speed and dribbling to overcome rivals in one-on-one situations. Like Leo Messi, he is a left-footed player who prefers to play on the right, which would make it difficult for him to earn a place in a Barcelona that already has Lamine Yamal as the owner of that place on the field.

• Stay informed of all the news of the azulgrana market at FCBN.

Barça does not rule out entering the auction for Mastantuono this summer

Franco Mastantuono, in a match with River Plate

However, Barça does not rule out starting contacts with River this summer if, finally, it manages to resolve its problems with the financial 'Fair Play' and closes a couple of high sales. The azulgrana team sees in Mastantuono a strategic signing, due to his projection and the interest of Real Madrid.

Santiago Solari has been talking for months with the environment of the midfielder and his club to try to negotiate a transfer for a lower amount, with the condition of allowing Franco to close the 2025 season with the 'millionaires'.

In South America, most leagues and CONMEBOL competitions are played according to the calendar year, unlike Europe, where the season starts in August and ends in May.

Other clubs in the race for the signing of Franco Mastantouno

• Manchester United: according to various sources, the English club would be willing to pay Mastantuono's termination clause, which amounts to 45 million euros, which makes him a strong candidate to take the player.
• Chelsea: another Premier League club that has shown constant interest in Mastantuono. He is part of the auction along with other major Europeans. The Londoners already have another former River player, Enzo Pérez.
• Arsenal and Liverpool: both English clubs have closely followed the evolution of the River Plate attacking midfielder and are interested in incorporating him to reinforce their squads with young talent.
• Atlético de Madrid: the 'colchoneros' consider Mastantuono a priority to reinforce their squad in 2025. The club values his versatility and creativity, and the connection with the player's representative could facilitate negotiations.
• Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City: are other European clubs that have followed the evolution of the player and could join the competition for his signing, both with plenty of money to amortize his clause.