Man Utd Handed Bad News in Bid to Land £42m Argentine Wonderkid Franco Mastantuono as River Plate Offer Transfer Update on 17-Year-Old Star
Manchester United’s pursuit of the highly-rated Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono has suffered a significant setback, as River Plate issue a firm transfer update that dampens the Premier League club’s hopes of securing the teenager’s signature in the immediate future. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has emerged as one of the brightest talents in South America, attracting the attention of several European giants, but River Plate’s latest stance suggests United will have to either wait or dig even deeper into their pockets if they wish to land the player.
Despite reports earlier in the season indicating that United were leading the race and even preparing to trigger Mastantuono’s £42 million release clause, River Plate have now doubled down on their intention to hold onto their starlet, at least for the foreseeable future. The Argentine giants believe they are under no pressure to sell and have now issued statements suggesting they are planning to build their team around him, further complicating matters for the English side.
Who is Franco Mastantuono?
Franco Mastantuono may still be in his teenage years, but he’s already drawing comparisons to some of Argentina’s greatest midfield talents. A left-footed playmaker with exquisite vision, dribbling ability, and a flair for the spectacular, Mastantuono has been a standout performer for River Plate’s youth sides and has made a seamless transition into the senior team.
He became the club’s second-youngest debutant in history, and his performances in the Argentine Primera División and Copa Libertadores have caught the eyes of scouts from across Europe. With his elegant playing style, technical skill, and maturity beyond his years, it’s no surprise that clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain have shown interest.
United, in particular, have made youth recruitment a major priority under their evolving recruitment strategy. Their scouts have been tracking Mastantuono for over a year, with insiders suggesting that Erik ten Hag sees him as a future star in the mold of past United greats like Paul Scholes or Juan Mata.
River Plate’s Firm Stance
However, hopes of securing a swift deal have now been tempered by River Plate’s latest comments. Club president Jorge Brito spoke to the media this week, offering an unambiguous update:
> “Franco is a fundamental part of our project. We are not entertaining offers at the moment. We are aware of the interest from Europe, but our goal is to keep him here to develop and help the team win.”
Brito’s statement reflects a broader policy at River Plate to resist the premature sale of their top talents. While they’ve historically been a selling club—transferring stars like Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, and Gonzalo Higuaín to European clubs—there is a renewed focus on maximizing player value and ensuring long-term development before sanctioning exits.
According to sources close to the club, Mastantuono’s release clause was recently raised and restructured in his latest contract, rising to £42 million to deter early bids. Additionally, River Plate inserted a clause that prevents any immediate summer move unless the full release clause is met in one payment—a figure United are reportedly hesitant to pay upfront.
United’s Recruitment Challenge
For Manchester United, this is another hurdle in what has been a complicated transfer landscape. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS now overseeing football operations, the club has signaled a shift towards a smarter, more data-driven and financially disciplined recruitment policy.
That means the days of overpaying for teenage talents without guaranteed first-team roles may be numbered. While Mastantuono fits the profile of a long-term investment, the current price tag and River Plate’s firm position are causing United to reevaluate.
Moreover, United’s midfield already has several developing talents, including Kobbie Mainoo, Hannibal Mejbri (on loan), and Dan Gore. Adding another young playmaker from abroad—who would require time to adapt—might not be seen as a pressing priority unless a long-term strategy is clearly in place.
European Competition Heats Up
To complicate matters further for United, other European giants are circling. Real Madrid, well-known for snapping up young South American stars like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Endrick, are also monitoring Mastantuono closely. Reports from Spain suggest that Madrid are willing to activate the release clause and loan the player back to River Plate for another year to secure the deal.
Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City have also entered the fray, with PSG scouts attending multiple games in Argentina. Both clubs are financially stronger than United at present and may be more willing to pay the full release clause without haggling over terms.
Player’s Perspective
So far, Franco Mastantuono has remained publicly silent about his future. However, those close to the player suggest he is fully focused on developing at River Plate. His agent has told local media:
> “Franco is flattered by the interest, of course, but he’s only 17. His priority is to play, improve, and help River Plate. When the time is right, and the right club comes along, he will make a decision—but for now, there is no pressure.”
This mature stance is likely influenced by the experiences of other young South American stars who moved too early and struggled to adapt to the demands of European football.
United’s Options Moving Forward
While this update represents a setback, it may not be the end of the road for United. If the club are serious about securing Mastantuono, they may wait until 2025 when the player turns 18 and the release clause dynamics may become more favorable under FIFA’s international transfer rules.
Alternatively, United could explore a buy-and-loan-back deal, similar to Real Madrid’s rumored strategy, though that would require cooperation from both River Plate and the player.
There is also the possibility of United shifting their focus to other targets. The South American market is rich with emerging talent, and the club’s scouting department has reportedly identified several alternatives with similar profiles and lower costs.
Final Thoughts
Manchester United’s hopes of signing Franco Mastantuono have been dealt a blow by River Plate’s refusal to engage in negotiations and their determination to keep the teenager in Argentina for the time being. With a hefty £42 million release clause and competition from Europe’s biggest clubs, the road to Old Trafford is now far more complicated for the Argentine wonderkid.
Still, United’s interest is unlikely to disappear overnight. As the club continues to evolve its recruitment strategy, Mastantuono remains on their radar as a potential generational talent. For now, however, River Plate’s message is clear: he’s not for sale—at least not yet.
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