Liverpool have a history of Argentinian midfielders shining for the club. Javier Mascherano was a cult hero at the heart of the Liverpool midfield in the 2000s and Alexis Mac Allister is continuing that glorious tradition in the last couple of seasons. The club also have an extensive scouting network in South America and are hoping to bring in more young talents from the continent.
Richard Hughes has a special interest in ensuring that Liverpool are in the market for the top-rated young talents in world football. They can not only secure the club’s future for years but can also become a source of income because of their future resale value.
The Merseyside giants are keen to ensure that they remain in the front row for the best young talents and one such talent is already attracting the interest of some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
River Plate’s 17-year-old attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono is not a new name for European scouts. Some of the biggest clubs in Europe such as Real Madrid and Barcelona have their eyes on him.
Manchester United have also been keeping tabs on him with a view to taking him to Old Trafford in the next summer transfer window. However, Liverpool are now in the fray for him as well.
According to River Noticias, the Reds are on high alert for the teenage prodigy and are mulling taking him to Anfield.
The Reds cannot afford to miss out on a future global superstar
Mastantuono has been making quite an impression in Argentina. The attacking midfielder climbed through the ranks of River Plate’s youth academy and was promoted to their first team earlier this year.
He has already featured 40 times for the senior team and is considered one of the greatest young talents in the South American nation. The teenager has already represented the Argentina Under-20s and is expected to be fast-tracked to the senior squad soon.
It is almost certain that the teenager will arrive in Europe soon and Manchester United are believed to be pushing hard to secure a deal for him to move to Old Trafford.
However, the Merseyside giants are in the mix and are keeping themselves abreast of the developments around him. They are yet to contact his camp but a move is expected to be made soon.
Can you name the team Liverpool sold these players to?
Mastantuono is considered good enough to play for the first team of top European sides so competition for his signature is expected to be fierce.
Manchester United have moved early but Liverpool must make sure that they get their hands ahead of their northwest rivals as the 17-year-old is a generational talent.
However, any move to England would have to wait until he turns 18 in August because of the new regulations on signing young players for English clubs.
Liverpool have a chance to sew up the deal earlier by paying the €45m release clause figure in his contract as River Plate have no interest in negotiating a transfer.
Is it a steep fee for a player who has not played in Europe and is only 17? Yes, but considering his talent the number could look tiny in the coming years if he realises his potential at Anfield.
