Franco Mastantuono isn’t simply one other Argentine teenager with a ball at his toes – he’s the most recent jewel within the crown of South American soccer and now, Real Madrid’s attainable subsequent daring funding sooner or later.
At simply 17, the River Plate prodigy is reportedly headed to the Bernabeu in a forty five million euro ($51.4 million) deal that alerts each a generational leap of religion and a strategic masterstroke by the Spanish giants.
Dubbed the “New Messi” for his imaginative and prescient, fast toes and eye for objectives, Mastantuono has already lit up Argentina’s Primera Division and the fierce Boca-River Superclasico, the place he scored a surprising free-kick that cemented his standing as a clutch performer.
Born in Azul in August 2007, the versatile attacker has not solely dazzled for River Plate in over 60 first-team appearances, but additionally earned a current call-up to Argentina’s senior nationwide staff – a transfer that might quickly make him the youngest participant to symbolize the Albiceleste since Diego Maradona.
Real Madrid’s swoop for Mastantuono continues the membership’s recruitment of younger South American expertise, a pattern that has seen Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo and Endrick arrive lately.
In Mastantuono, Los Blancos see greater than only a playmaker.
They see a game-changer. The charge, reportedly round 45 million euros, edged out competitors from Paris Saint-Germain and displays the feverish battle amongst Europe’s elite to lock down tomorrow’s superstars at present.
But whereas his expertise is simple, the trail forward is steep.
Mastantuono gained’t make the transfer to Madrid till 2025, when FIFA guidelines allow his switch at age 18.
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Real Madrid’s attacking unit boasts names like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo and Endrick.
Adding Mastantuono raises each pleasure and questions on how Carlo Ancelotti will rotate and groom so many high-ceiling abilities.
Güler’s competitors?
Perhaps most intriguing is the brewing competitors between Mastantuono and Turkish phenom Arda Güler, who arrived in 2023 from Fenerbahçe.
Both gamers occupy comparable roles as superior midfielders or wingers, each thrive on creativity, and each are combating for minutes in an already star-laden squad.
Their kinds differ – Mastantuono prefers fast, incisive motion, whereas Güler is extra composed, a technician who likes to shoot from distance – however the rivalry guarantees to be fierce and interesting.
For Real Madrid, the signing is as a lot in regards to the lengthy recreation as it’s about instant aptitude.
The membership’s current home and European success has been constructed on a cautious mix of veteran management and youthful vigor.
Next Messi curse
Yet for all of the headlines and comparisons to Messi, the highway to Madrid stardom is lined with each alternative and stress.
Real Madrid has been each a springboard and a stumbling block for South American imports.
Mastantuono’s maturity, solid within the crucible of considered one of soccer’s most passionate derbies and polished in a expertise manufacturing facility like River Plate, suggests he would possibly simply have the temperament to make it.
Still, the shadow of previous “next Messis” looms massive, and the burden of expectations will comply with him throughout the Atlantic.
Source: www.dailysabah.com