Barcelona behind Real Madrid in race for 16-year-old South American sensation | OneFootball

Barcelona and Real Madrid are almost always in the competition for the signing of an up-and-coming, exciting young talent from South America.

So, it does not come as a surprise that the two La Liga behemoths are chasing the signing of River Plate sensation Franco Mastantuono.

The 16-year-old versatile midfield prodigy has been breaking records in his debut season and has put himself on the radars of two of the biggest clubs in the world in Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Real Madrid take lead

However, Joaquim Piera of SPORT has come forward with an update on the transfer race for Franco Mastantuono and it is not good news for Barcelona.

As per the report, Real Madrid have taken the lead over Barcelona in the race to sign the 16-year-old South American whizkid.

It is being claimed that Los Blancos have already laid the groundwork to sign the young prodigy after having held two separate meetings with officials from River Plate.

The first meeting was held by Real Madrid’s chief scout, Juni Calafat, before their CEO, Jose Angel Sanchez, also met with River Plate to discuss the matter.

Mastantuono could be Real Madrid-bound. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)

What about Barcelona?

While Barcelona are indeed interested in signing Mastantuono, they are not in a position to make any commitment for him this summer, given their current financial situation.

When Mastantuono signed a new contract with River Plate earlier this year, with a release clause of €45 million (rising to €50 million), Barça perceived it as a boost as they felt it could give them more time to negotiate.

But, Real Madrid have moved fast and are working to close the deal swiftly.

Mastantuono can move to Europe right away despite being only 16 years old because he has an Italian passport. But Real Madrid intend to let him continue at River Plate to continue his development.