Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are two clubs looking for exciting young players in their respective squadrons, and in recent months both have set their sights on the possible addition of one of the smartest talents in South America.
The trend of searching for movements for South -American Wonderkids is one that has grown under European clubs in recent years, and La Liga -outfits are no different. Real Madrid has brought Vinicius Junior in, Rodrygo has been going on in recent years and Endrick Felipe, while Barcelona Vorror Roque signed in 2023 – although that movement did not work.
But they are not deterred because they focus on their next step. According to the sport, Barcelona has registered their interest in Franco Mastantuono, who is a 17-year-old Argentinian attacking midfielder who is currently playing for River Plate.
Mastantuono had been to Real Madrid's Radar in 2024, although they have cooled their interest since then. And during this period City Rivals Athleti raised their interest in the teenager, whose possible arrival was approved by Diego Simeone.
But according to Bolavip, Athleti should not make concrete movements for Mastantuono. And they can find it difficult to do this, because River has made it clear that they don't feel like selling their valued young person.
Due to the FIFA rules, Mastantuono cannot leave the river to become a member of a European club until he turns 18, what he does in August. That could be a deterrent for Barcelona and Atleti, just like the fact that the only way for a deal can be made by activating the release clause of € 45 million in the teenager's contract.
Interestingly, Mastantuono stays in the river for a while, with the last report that he is willing to stay in the club at the earliest until the beginning of 2026. At the moment, Barcelona or Atletico Madrid may have decided it is time to continue.
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