Reports: Manchester United Emerged Top Favourites to Sign Lionel Messi in Transfer Window
Manchester United are reportedly in pole position to sign River Plate’s teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono, according to TYC Sports.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder, often compared to Lionel Messi, has impressed scouts across Europe, and United are now poised to activate the €45 million release clause in his contract.
Mastantuono has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in South American football, drawing attention from some of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid, PSG, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. However, TYC Sports reports that United are currently leading the race for his signature, with a deal looking increasingly likely.
The Argentine talent made headlines last week with a stunning free-kick against arch-rivals Boca Juniors, curling the ball into the top corner from around 30 yards. It was a reminder of his immense potential, adding to his impressive tally of four goals in 13 matches so far this season.
United have been tracking Mastantuono’s progress for some time, and the club is now prepared to trigger the €45 million release clause to secure his services. However, a deal could take time to materialize, as River Plate is keen to retain their young star for the remainder of the calendar year. Since Mastantuono won’t turn 18 until August, any permanent move would have to wait until after that point.
River Plate’s general secretary, Stefano Di Carlo, recently confirmed that Mastantuono will remain at the club for the rest of the year, making an immediate move unlikely. “Mastantuono is staying at River Plate for the entire year, that’s a given,” he stated.
Mastantuono first garnered attention last year when he rejected an offer from Real Madrid to extend his contract with River Plate. The Spanish giants are expected to make another move for the talented playmaker this summer, but United are firmly in the driving seat at this stage.
With his exceptional skills and composure on the ball, Mastantuono is viewed as one of the most exciting young players to emerge from South America in recent years, and his future is set to be a hot topic in the coming transfer windows.
Manchester United are reportedly edging closer to securing the signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha, with the Red Devils preparing to offer the Brazil international a five-year contract, including an option for an additional 12 months, according to Sport Mole. The 25-year-old has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season, scoring 17 goals and registering six assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.
Cunha has been instrumental in Wolves’ attack, especially in their recent 3-0 victory over Leicester City, where he netted a goal and provided two assists. His performances have caught the attention of several top clubs, with Manchester United now positioned as the front-runners for his signature. The Red Devils have long been linked with Cunha, even during his time at Atletico Madrid, and the club is reportedly ready to meet his £62.5 million release clause.
United are understood to be willing to pay the release clause in instalments, and Cunha is said to be eager to make the move to Old Trafford. According to journalist Nicolo Schira, discussions are progressing, with Manchester United now preparing to present a formal offer. The club hopes to have a deal in place before the summer transfer window opens, allowing Cunha to join as soon as possible and play a key role in their preparations for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Cunha’s potential move to United comes as manager Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his squad for next season. While Cunha has publicly expressed his happiness at Wolves and his emotional connection to the club, it is understood that privately, he remains determined to make the move to United, where he would likely operate as one of the number 10s in
Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation.
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