FC Barcelona's sports strategy continues its course and firmly targets the young talents that are emerging. Under Deco's direction, the Catalan club has strengthened its scouting network, especially in South America, where it has historically found great "gems." It's no wonder, knowing that the Portuguese's intention is clear: to detect future stars early and position themselves advantageously against the growing competition in the European elite.
In this context, Deco has set his sights on one of the names making the most noise in Argentine soccer. The Catalan sporting director understands that signing young players with potential is a strategic investment, especially considering Barça's financial situation. Today, River Plate is the South American club that attracts the most attention in the market, as there is a promising young player who has led FC Barcelona to double down on their bet.
The Jewel That Dazzles at River Plate
According to the latest reports, one of the names that has set off all the alarms on Barça's radar is Franco Mastantuono. The Argentine attacking midfielder, just 17 years old, has become one of the great sensations of South American soccer. Currently at River Plate, he already has more than 40 professional matches and his influence on the team is increasingly significant, showing personality, talent, and maturity beyond his years.
At Barça, they know this well, and that's why Deco has given the green light to intensify his monitoring. The operation is not imminent, but the club wants to be ready in case a window of opportunity arises. Mastantuono has a contract with River until 2026, and his release clause amounts to 45 million euros, a high figure, but manageable if certain market conditions are met.
A Bet and a Lot of Competition
Barça is not the only one interested: clubs like Real Madrid, Atlético, Chelsea, or Manchester United are also closely following the young Argentine. Some have even sent scouts on multiple occasions to analyze his development live. The interest is so high that any move will require a precise and agile strategy from the Catalan club.
Despite all these factors, at Barça, they believe it's worth being well-positioned. Due to his technical profile, vision of the game, dribbling, and arrival in the area, Mastantuono has the conditions to become a standout player in the coming years. They don't want to repeat past mistakes and see another South American jewel end up shining at a direct rival.