River Plate Reacts to Barcelona’s Interest in Mastantuono

River Plate has taken proactive steps to secure their 16-year-old prodigy, Franco Mastantuono, in response to Barcelona’s keen interest. The young talent has been making waves in Argentina and beyond, becoming the youngest player to feature in a River-Boca match.

The news of Barcelona monitoring Mastantuono, despite financial constraints, has created a buzz in Argentina, prompting a swift response from River Plate to reassure their fans. The club’s management aims to extend the midfielder’s contract by two years, stretching it from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2027. Additionally, they plan to set the highest release clause in Argentine football, potentially exceeding €40 million. Currently set at €30 million, the release clause rises to €35 million in the last ten days of each transfer window.

The contract extension, intended to deter European clubs for as long as possible, would naturally come with an improved salary. If successful, this would mark Mastantuono’s second professional contract within a year, following the one signed in August when he turned 16.

A €40 million release clause would represent a significant milestone, making it the highest in Argentine football history for a youth player. This figure contrasts with recent sales by River Plate to Manchester City, where Julián Álvarez was sold for €21.5 million in 2022 (now valued at €90 million), and Claudio Echeverri was transferred for €18 million plus €9 million in variables in the latest winter transfer window, set to move to Europe in December.

Mastantuono, a skilled left-footed attacking midfielder with versatility, intelligence, and a refined left foot, has broken two records in the first two months of 2024. He became the third youngest player to debut for River Plate and surpassed Javier Saviola as the youngest goal scorer in the club’s history with a goal against Excursionistas in the Copa Argentina.

On Sunday, in a packed Monumental stadium, he achieved the honor of being the youngest player to feature in the historic superclásico between River Plate and Boca Juniors. Mastantuono is undeniably a unique talent, a versatile midfielder capable of handling the pressure of playing for one of Argentina’s top clubs and showcasing moments of brilliance. He is poised to become a player of significant stature.