Franco Mastantuono has been tipped to become the next Lionel Messi, and the Argentinian star already has plenty of Premier League teams vying for his signature. The River Plate midfielder has been impressing in his home country, making 42 appearances for River and scoring four goals from the attacking midfield position.
The young star is considered one of the most promising talents coming out of Argentina, and the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea are potentially lining up a deal to secure the teenager’s services.
Mastantuono, who turns 18 years old in August, has been highly praised by a host of footballing stars, including current Blues midfielder Enzo Fernandez and ex-River Plate star Matias Almeyda.
While many have pointed to Lamine Yamal as the number one replacement for Messi’s talent, Almeyda believes that the young Argentinian is emerging as Lionel’s successor.
Speaking to DSports Radio, the current AEK Athens manager said: “Another Maradona or another Messi will unlikely emerge, but another player will come.
“After Maradona, people said that there would never be another like him, and then Messi appeared, and I think that after Messi, another one will appear, and his name is Franco Mastantuono.”
Almeyda also claimed that there will be more shining stars coming out of Argentina, adding: “There are many kids who won’t be equal to those two, but they will be at another level. We’re a breeding ground for very good players.”
Mastantuono has also received some high praise from World Cup winner and Chelsea star Fernandez, who claimed the teenager is ready for the big move to Europe. When asked about the River Plate star, the 24-year-old told ESPN F12: “He’s showing that he has a European future.
“You can see it. He’s an incredible player. He’s doing very well and has shown great talent. In my opinion, he’s a star. I wish him the best and hope he can achieve all his goals. Hopefully he can also help us in the national team.”
Current River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo has also waxed lyrical about the young midfielder, but tempered his expectations for the star given his young age.
Gallardo said: “What we have to do is support him; he’s a kid who has his feet on the ground, but it’s not a bad idea to support him and make him feel like he has to keep growing.”
United and Chelsea are both admirers of the teenage midfielder, but LaLiga giants Barcelona and Athletico Madrid are also both interested, as per Sky Sports News.
Mastantuono may well not decide to move in the summer, given that River Plate president Jorge Brito collected a £46million profit in last season’s financial results – meaning they are under no pressure to sell.
However, the 17-year-old has a release clause of just £38m – which is the highest-ever in the Argentinian club’s history – but is relatively modest in terms of the Premier League’s pricing in recent years.
Mastantuono’s contract also only runs until next season – 2026 – so it is likely that he could be tempted towards a future in one of the top leagues in Europe.
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