WATCH: River Plate starlet Franco Mastantuono scores brilliant free-kick to recall talented Real Madrid
After Claudio Echeverri was signed by Manchester City, the next in the River Plate production line is Franco Mastantuono. The 17-year-old has been making waves in Argentina, and Real Madrid are thought to be in a prime position to secure his signature.
Mastantuono has become a starter for River in recent weeks, and he showed why with an 87th-minute winner on Sunday night at El Monumental. Mastantuono stepped up to take a late free kick, and fired it into the top corner, with Sarmiento goalkeeper Lucas Acosta not even bothering to dive.
#RealMadrid target Franco Mastantuono with a reminder of why he is considered one of the best talents in Argentina now…pic.twitter.com/VTBHTeAZGc
— Football España (@footballespana_) July 29, 2024
It was said last week that river officials were in Madrid to negotiate for Mastantuono, but AS Diary they denied that was the case. He has a release clause of 41 million euros in his contract, but Real Madrid is reluctant to pay.
⚡️ Monumental, Franco ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/WrVg88XOdD
— River Plate (@RiverPlate) July 29, 2024
Mastantuono is already believed to have reached an agreement in principle on personal terms with Real Madrid however, and it seems that the Whites are negotiating on their fee. Mastantuono's deal is only valid until 2026, meaning River risk losing him for free if they don't lock him into a new deal, or sell him in the next 12 months.
