River Plate chief deals transfer blow to Man Utd over move for £42m wonderkid

Argentinian starlet Franco Mastantuono is fast emerging as one of the brightest prospects in world football after dazzling for River Plate aged just 17 and Manchester United are said to be monitoring him

Manchester United have been dealt a blow after being told River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono will be staying with the Argentinian club for the rest of 2025. The 17-year-old midfielder is seen as one of the most highly-rated prospects in football and has already scored three times in 15 appearances for the club this season.

Mastantuono is said to have admirers at Real Madrid after his eye-catching displays, but United have now joined the race for the youngster’s signature, according to Goal, as Ruben Amorim looks to overhaul his squad this summer.

He is believed to have a release clause that has now risen to £42million and any move to Europe will be made easier as he qualifies for an Italian passport, thanks to his grandmother.

But any club’s hope of signing Mastantuono this summer have now been dashed by River Plate’s vice president Stefano Di Carlo.

Di Carlo was asked whether Mastantuono would stay with the club for the rest of the calendar year and he replied: “Yes, yes. That’s a certainty already.”

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Overall, Mastantuono has six goals and five assists in 53 outings for the Argentine outfit and will appear at the newly-revamped FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer – which should put him in the shop window for other clubs too.

Some media outlets in Argentina have compared Mastantuono to Phil Foden thanks to his explosive and energetic style of play. He already turned heads by netting an incredible free kick against bitter rivals Boca Juniors – which fizzed into the far corner from about 30 yards out.

Mastantuono has already featured for the Argentina U17 and U20s and his potential has been spotted by compatriot and Chelsea star Enzo Fernandes, who tipped him for a move to Europe in the near future.

Fernandez said: “He’s showing that he has a European future. You can see it. He’s an incredible player. He’s doing very well and has shown great talent. In my opinion, he’s a star. I wish him the best and hope he can achieve all his goals. Hopefully he can also help us in the national team.”

His manager Marcelo Gallardo has also raved about the potential of the player after watching him score his perfectly-taken free kick – while also insisting he would not be leaving “any time soon”.

“We have to support him; he’s taking his first steps,” Gallardo said. “The markets are dynamic, and the financial power is strong… He’s a player who inspires enormous enthusiasm for his young age.

“He’s a kid who has his feet firmly on the ground, but it’s not a bad idea to feel he needs to keep growing. We want him to continue developing and growing as a footballer and as a person. That (his departure from the club) isn’t going to happen any time soon.

“Franco isn’t River’s leader; he’s just another player who fits in and, with his free spirit, creates what he creates. That’s very valuable. He also embraces physical qualities that are very well-equipped for a 17-year-old. He’s in a constant learning process: just as he does impressive things, he can also make mistakes, and that’s how he’ll learn.”

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