The transfer market keeps heating up and now the battle for an Argentine soccer gem is the talk of the town. Franco Mastantuono, a young 17-year-old midfielder, has caught the attention of Europe's top clubs, including Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. However, the landscape has shifted in recent days, with a key figure in world soccer sending a clear message.
Barça's Interest
FC Barcelona has always been a club with a keen eye for young talent and Mastantuono hasn't gone unnoticed by them. The player, who currently plays for River Plate, has become one of the most sought-after prospects in South America.
Despite Real Madrid showing interest in signing him, there's talk that the midfielder prefers to join the blaugrana team. In fact, in the halls of Camp Nou, it is considered that Barça is the ideal destination for his development and future.
Liverpool's Threat
However, competition isn't just coming from Spain. Liverpool has stepped up and is ready to secure Mastantuono's services.
Liverpool could pay Mastantuono's 45-million clause, which would rise to 50 million at the end of the market. The team led by Jürgen Klopp knows that this young talent could be the future of their midfield.
Pressure on River Plate
The situation is starting to worry River Plate. The Argentine club knows its gem is close to leaving. Although they wish to keep him for another season, the top European teams are intensifying their interest.
River Plate might be losing the battle, as the player seems inclined toward Europe, where the big clubs are fighting for his transfer.
Messi Sends a Clear Message to Real Madrid
In this context of dispute, an iconic figure in Argentine soccer, Leo Messi, has decided to make his opinion public. The captain of the Argentine national team, always close to Barcelona, didn't hesitate to send a message to Real Madrid: "Florentino, sign with the enemy." With these words, Messi supports Mastantuono's preference for Barcelona, making it clear that his favorite destination is in the Catalonian city.
The future of Franco Mastantuono is at stake and Europe's top clubs continue to fight for his transfer. Barcelona seems to be the favorite, although Liverpool's competition could change the course of the transfer. As the battle for the young talent intensifies, Messi's message is a reminder of the rivalries that define elite soccer.