The world of football never ceases to surprise, and the emergence of Franco Mastantuono, a 17-year-old River Plate prodigy, has caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe. The Argentine wonderkid has been making waves in Argentina’s Primera División, and with each passing week, his stock continues to rise. Clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and even Real Madrid are reportedly keen on securing his signature. However, despite the mounting interest, Franco Mastantuono and his current club are sending a strong message: the young star is not going anywhere—at least not yet.
The Rise of Franco Mastantuono: River Plate’s Youngest Star
Franco Mastantuono’s rapid rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. Just a few months ago, he etched his name into River Plate’s storied history by becoming the club’s youngest-ever goal scorer. This achievement, which came in February 2024, put Franco Mastantuono firmly in the spotlight, but he’s done much more than that since then. In a matter of months, he has become a key figure for the club, surpassing 50 senior appearances and quickly earning a reputation as one of the most promising talents in South American football.
His latest performance, a brilliant free-kick against Boca Juniors, a fierce rival of River Plate, only added to his growing legend. The 17-year-old curled the ball past a helpless goalkeeper into the top corner of the net—a goal that many are already calling one of the best free-kicks seen in Argentina this season. Such a display of skill, composure, and talent has only fueled the desire of Europe’s top clubs to land him.
A Growing Interest From Europe’s Elite
Given Franco Mastantuono’s prodigious talent, it’s no surprise that European giants are lining up to secure his signature. Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid are reportedly the most interested parties, with all three clubs closely monitoring the teenager’s progress. For clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United, who have been heavily involved in scouting young talents across the globe, Franco Mastantuono represents a future star capable of elevating their squad for years to come.
As for Real Madrid, the club has been keen to strengthen its ranks with the addition of young, promising players, and Franco Mastantuono fits the bill perfectly. His combination of vision, technique, and football IQ makes him a potential long-term investment for a club that has been synonymous with success. Real Madrid’s interest is particularly intriguing, given the club’s need to balance their squad with both experience and youthful exuberance as they look to continue competing at the highest level of European football.
While Chelsea and Manchester United also see Franco Mastantuono as a major target, they could face a few challenges in securing his services. Given Brexit, any transfer from a non-EU country—like Argentina—could require more paperwork, visa negotiations, and potential restrictions. This is where Real Madrid could have an edge, especially if Franco Mastantuono can obtain an Italian passport, which would allow him to bypass some of the restrictions on non-EU players in La Liga.
River Plate’s Stance: Keeping Hold of Their Starlet
Despite the growing interest from Europe, River Plate is firmly intent on keeping hold of Franco Mastantuono for the foreseeable future. Stefano Di Carlo, a board member of the Argentine club, spoke candidly about the situation when questioned about the teenager’s future. In an interview with SportsCenter, Di Carlo was unequivocal in stating that Franco Mastantuono will remain at River Plate for at least the remainder of the 2025 season.
“Yes, yes, that’s a certainty already,” Di Carlo stated, putting to rest any doubts about the club’s intentions. With a contract that runs until 2026, Franco Mastantuono is tied to River Plate for at least another year, and the club has made it clear that they have no intention of parting ways with their prized asset so soon.
However, River Plate is well aware that the transfer market works in mysterious ways, especially when the price tag is as high as Franco Mastantuono’s. The initial buyout clause for the youngster was reportedly set at €45 million (£38.3 million), but as The Athletic recently reported, this amount has since risen to €50 million (£42.5 million). Given his rapid development, it’s likely that his value will only continue to increase, further complicating any potential future transfer.
The Road Ahead for Franco Mastantuono
With the player’s contract lasting until 2026, Franco Mastantuono will likely continue to be the subject of intense speculation in the coming years. At the age of 17, he has already made his mark at one of Argentina’s biggest clubs, and there’s little doubt that his future lies in Europe. However, Franco Mastantuono himself has not yet confirmed his desire to leave his current club, and for now, he remains focused on his development with River Plate.
It’s also worth noting that Franco Mastantuono’s age means that, in just a few months, he will be free to move to Europe at will once he turns 18 in August 2024. The possibility of obtaining an Italian passport would certainly make the process smoother for Real Madrid or any other interested party. With his impending adulthood, the ball will soon be in Franco Mastantuono’s court when it comes to deciding on his future.
For now, the young midfielder has more pressing concerns than transfer speculation. In addition to excelling on the football pitch, Franco Mastantuono has to balance his professional career with his education. Enzo Fernandez, another River Plate academy graduate, has already praised Franco Mastantuono’s ability, calling him an “incredible player” with the potential to become a staple in the Argentina national team. But for now, Mastantuono remains a teenager with a bright future, and his immediate focus is likely on excelling in the Primera División and contributing to River Plate’s success.
The Bigger Picture: Enzo Fernandez’s Endorsement
Enzo Fernandez, currently thriving at Chelsea, is one of the most well-known products of the River Plate academy. Fernandez has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in Europe since making his move to London, and he’s been quick to back Mastantuono. Fernandez recently described the 17-year-old as a “phenomenal player” with immense potential, and his endorsement of Mastantuono should only increase the attention on the teenager from Europe’s biggest clubs.
In a conversation about his own development, Fernandez also spoke about the importance of youth players making the transition from South America to Europe, saying that Mastantuono has the skill and mentality required to make it in the highly competitive environment of European football.
The Immediate Future: Academics and Football
Despite all the attention on his future career, Franco Mastantuono is still very much a student. According to reports, the teenager had to ask River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo to call his school and request a delay for his geography exam, so that he could play in the high-profile Boca Juniors match. This anecdote highlights just how much balance Mastantuono has to maintain between his burgeoning football career and his education. Given his recent performances, it’s safe to say that he’s managing both aspects with remarkable maturity.
Conclusion: A Future Star in the Making
Franco Mastantuono is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young talents in world football. While his future remains uncertain and Europe’s biggest clubs continue to circle, for now, River Plate holds the cards. The Argentine giants are determined to keep their starlet for as long as possible, and with his contract running until 2026, Mastantuono’s journey at the club could continue for some time.
However, the young midfielder’s eventual move to Europe seems inevitable, and clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid will no doubt be ready to make their moves when the time comes. For now, though, Mastantuono remains focused on his football and his studies, continuing to impress with each match, and writing his own history in Argentina’s Primera División.
