Man Utd boosted as Real Madrid pull out of ‘new Messi’ race

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 7 May 2025 10:11 BST
• 3 min read

News

Manchester United's chances of signing River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono have been boosted after Real Madrid pulled out of the race.

According to Sport, Madrid have exited the bidding war that has erupted for the teenager who has been dubbed the 'new Lionel Messi'.

Madrid feel that €45 million release clause that River are demanding to sell is excessive and they are also unhappy with Mastantuono's representatives and how they have conducted themselves in talks over the player.

This comes as great news for Man Utd, as Real Madrid were reported to be the favoured destination of the player.

Real Madrid out of race for Mastantuono

TYC Sports reported this week that United have made the decision to trigger the €45m release clause.

The 17-year-old is the new sensation of South American football and most of of Europe's biggest clubs are queuing up to sign him, including PSG, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

TYC Sports reports that United are at the front of the queue for the attacking midfielder, who hit the headlines last week with a sensational goal for River Plate against rivals Boca Juniors.

The teenager curled home a left-footed free-kick from around 30 yards into the top corner.

United have been following Mastantuono for some time, and are now ready to trigger the €45m clause in his contract.

River Plate are determined to keep hold of their wonderkid for the rest of the calendar year, so it remains to be seen whether any potential transfer to United would come this year or next.

He will not turn 18 until August and, therefore, cannot move permanently until that point.

River Plate’s general secretary Stefano Di Carlo said recently: “Mastantuono is staying at River Plate for the entire year, that’s a given.”

Mastanuono exploded onto the scene in Argentina last year when it emerged that he turned down interest from Real Madrid in favour of signing a new deal with River Plate.

Madrid tried to bring in the playmaker last summer and they will make a new attempt this time around.

Mastantuono’s goal against Boca Juniors was the teenager’s fourth goal in 13 matches this season.