Manchester United are looking at signing a South American wonderkidManchester United are looking at signing a South American wonderkid
Manchester United are looking at signing a South American wonderkid | AFP via Getty Images
Manchester United are hoping to sign a talented South American talent but face competition for his signature
Manchester United are keen to change their transfer strategy as Sir Jim Ratcliffe aims to sign the best young talents in world football - rather than paying tens of millions for more established stars.
The likes of Chido Obi Martin and Ayden Heaven are among the academy aces to have joined the Red Devils in the last 12 months. Both players have even made their first-team debuts this campaign.
The likes of Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap are among United’s prime summer targets. The Red Devils’ summer could prove to be even more fruitful if they win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League.
Man Utd have ‘held talks’ with Franco Mastantuono
According to Graeme Bailey, who provided a transfer update to United in Focus, the Red Devils have “definitely held talks” with River Plater wonderkid Franco Mastantuono. The 17-year-old has been with River Plate since 2019, and made his senior debut in January 2024 to become the club’s third-youngest player.
He has a release clause of £38m but United are facing serious competition for his signature and the player is said to prefer a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid. Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have also been named as interested parties by Bailey. The right winger has played 59 times for River Plate already with nine goals and seven assists to his name.
Mastantuono turns 18 this summer, so would be eligible for a switch to Europe but he would not make the move to the likes of Madrid or United until 2026. The Red Devils have already tapped into the South American market with the signing of Diego León, a 17-year-old Paraguayan left-back. Leon has signed from Cerro Porteño but cannot join United until the summer, having only turned 18 last month.
Enzo Fernandez has raved about Franco Mastantuono
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has already heaped praise on Mastantuono, who has yet to make his senior international debut for Argentina. He has made 10 appearances and scored two goals for the Argentina Under-20s.
“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.”
Reports earlier this month from Argentina claimed United had already stated an intention to pay the €45 million (£38m) buyout clause for Franco Mastantuono. The report claims Ruben Amorim's side are seriously interested in a possible deal, though they would only be willing to pay in instalments due to their tight financial position.
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