A few days ago, Paris Saint-Germain was one of the clubs cited as having an interest in Franco Mastantuono. With several European clubs circling the Argentine wonderkid, River Plate are reportedly signing the teenager to a new contract.
Other clubs vying for the 16-year-old include PSG, FC Barcelona, and Real Madrid. A recent report from TNT Sports Argentina notes that Real Madrid looks pretty interested in Mastantuono and could make an offer to sign him when he turns 18.
Nonetheless, River Plate want to ensure they’re compensated should the youngster leave at any point. According to transfer specialist César Luis Merlo, Los Millonarios have agreed to renew the contract and improve the protection of Mastantouno, who will now have the highest release clause in Argentine football.
Merlo adds that the clause will be €45 million and, ten days before the transfer window closes, increase to €50 million. The deal includes a salary increase and extends until December 2026, and the contract will be signed in the coming days.
🚨[EXCLUSIVO] River acordó la renovación de contrato y el blindaje de Franco Mastantouno, que pasará a tener la cláusula de rescisión más alta del fútbol argentino.
*️⃣Será de €45M y, 10 días antes del cierre del libro de pases, subirá a 50M. El vínculo incluye un aumento… pic.twitter.com/tBOpCdKgIA— César Luis Merlo (@CLMerlo) March 17, 2024
If Real Madrid manages to secure the deal, their plan is to further Mastantuono’s development at River Plate until 2025 and start negotiations by mid-2025.
Meanwhile, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, and Inter Milan are also competing for the signing. The battle to acquire Mastantuono’s talents will be fierce, and it’ll be intriguing to see if PSG can emerge as the frontrunner.
