River Plate are reportedly aiming to hand Franco Mastantuono a new contract as the likes of Manchester United weigh up a move for him this summer.
Mastantuono made his senior debut for River Plate in January 2024 and has since emerged as one of the most promising young talents in South American football.
He has made 13 appearances for River across all competitions this term, racking up an impressive four goals and two assists in that period. The youngster’s reputation soared even higher after he scored a mesmerising free-kick to open the scoring in River’s Superclasico victory over bitter rivals Boca Juniors on Sunday.
He expertly curled home a left-footed free-kick from around 30 yards out.
¿Messi y Maradona hacían esto a sus 17 años? pic.twitter.com/cDQW8q0YRA
— MilloStats (@StatsMillo) April 27, 2025
Mastantuono is a player in high demand. In addition to United, he is also believed to be on the radar of Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Manchester City.
A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that PSG have opened talks to sign the 17-year-old.
Mastantuono turns 18 in August, at which point he could depart River. Any agreement reached before then would see him stay with the Argentine club until his 18th birthday, similar to how Real Madrid handled the signing of Endrick from Palmeiras.
As interest in the Azul-born star mounts, the Daily Mail have revealed that River “are working to tie” him to a new contract.
The newspaper notes that United have regularly sent scouts to watch Mastantuono in action.
The Mail add, “River are resigned to the fact they will sell Mastantuono at some stage but are trying to protect their asset by persuading him to agree new terms.”
“The youngster’s current contract, which runs until December 2026, has a buyout clause of £38.3m.”
United are back in action on Thursday when they face Athletic Club in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
