PSG, Man Utd and Chelsea fight for River Plate’s teen star | OneFootball

Franco Mastantuono: Europe’s Elite Jostle for River Plate Prodigy

Rising from River’s Seedbed of Champions

There is something unmistakably magical about the River Plate academy. Argentina’s “Semillero de Campeones” – the seedbed of champions – continues to grow footballing marvels at a staggering pace. The latest gem to sparkle under Buenos Aires’ floodlights is Franco Mastantuono. Aged just 17, he is already forcing some of the world’s wealthiest clubs into a frenzied race for his signature, suggest reports from Sky Sports.

Paris Saint-Germain have now entered the frame alongside Manchester United and Chelsea, while Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also circling. Each club has scouts and sporting directors poring over clips, making phone calls, and scheduling meetings. And for good reason.

Photo: IMAGO

Mastantuono, a left-footed attacking midfielder, is regarded as one of the most promising teenage talents in world football. He made history in February 2024, becoming River Plate’s youngest-ever goalscorer at 16 years, five months and 25 days. He has since tallied three goals and three assists in 11 senior appearances.

Breakout Moments on the Grandest Stages

A stunning free-kick in River’s 2-1 Superclásico win over Boca Juniors placed him firmly on Europe’s radar. The strike, in front of a record 85,018 fans at a newly expanded Mas Monumental, showcased his flair and composure under immense pressure.

He is expected to feature prominently in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in Miami this summer, giving scouts and executives another opportunity to evaluate him against top-tier opposition. Sky Sports report that “he is expected to play for the Argentinian club at this summer’s Club World Cup in the USA,” with any transfer developments likely to come afterward.

While clubs have enquired, River have made their stance clear. With a €45m (£38m) release clause – the highest in the club’s history – and a contract running until 2026, there is no rush to cash in. “River president Jorge Brito is under no pressure to sell,” says the report, “after overseeing a £46m profit for the club in last season’s financial results.”

Echoes of Alvarez and Echeverri

Manchester City’s recent River Plate acquisitions offer a roadmap for interested parties. “Julian Alvarez and Claudio Echeverri, both signed by Man City from River in recent years, were signed in the January transfer window.” Both were returned on loan to continue their development – a likely scenario should Mastantuono move in the short term.

City’s long-term planning, especially after Alvarez’s impact, appears to be influencing recruitment strategy across Europe. Enzo Fernandez and Alvarez were both among six River academy graduates in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad. The conveyor belt of elite talent continues unabated.

Europe Must Wait for Argentina’s Crown Jewel

General secretary Stefano Di Carlo has made the situation crystal clear: Mastantuono is staying put for now. “The attacking midfielder will stay for the rest of 2025 – when the Argentinian season ends,” he confirmed.

For now, River Plate remain committed to developing their next star internally. Mastantuono is not just another prospect – he is already producing at a senior level, carrying the weight of expectation and delivering moments of brilliance.

If the Premier League elite want him, they will need patience, deep pockets, and a plan worthy of nurturing one of South America’s finest young exports.

Our View – EPL Index Opinion

This report from Sky Sports will ignite excitement across Europe’s top clubs – and rightly so. For fans who follow youth development and global scouting trends, Franco Mastantuono is exactly the kind of player that gets pulses racing.

As a Manchester United supporter, this feels like a rare opportunity. Here’s a teenage talent who already thrives in high-pressure games – Boca Juniors, Superclásico, no less – and delivers standout performances. That left foot is cultured and creative, his balance and vision mature beyond his years.

The only concern? Timing. With River adamant he stays until the end of 2025, any club would need a long-term vision. If United are serious, they must act now and agree a future deal like City did with Echeverri. Letting Chelsea or PSG steal a march would be a bitter blow.

What’s particularly encouraging is his mentality. To deliver in front of 85,000 in one of the world’s fiercest derbies and still look unflustered? That’s rare. Mastantuono already carries himself like a player destined for elite football. Whether he lands at Old Trafford, the Parc des Princes, or Camp Nou, one thing is certain – the next wonderkid from River is ready to make waves.