Liverpool move ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid in race to sign 17-year-old Argentine wonderkid: Reports
Liverpool are reportedly ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid in the race to sign Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, who plies his trade at River Plate. It was recently reported that the Reds were among the top European clubs looking to acquire the 17-year-old.
Mastantuono, who grew through the ranks of River Plate academy, debuted for their senior team early this year and has gone from strength to strength. That has attracted attention from Barcelona and Real Madrid, who showed interest in the 17-year-old before the Reds joined the fray.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca and Madrid have fallen behind the Reds in the race for Mastantuono. The report said that the Merseyside club could pay Mastantuono's $45 million release clause, which could rise to $50 million in the final weeks of the transfer market.
Apart from Barca, Los Blancos and the Merseyside club, Ligue 1 side Paris Saint Germain are also monitoring Mastantuono. While Mastantuono’s goal contributions at River aren’t quite impressive, his abilities, like dribbling and ball control, have put him on the transfer radar of European bigwigs. He was once compared with Manchester City’s Phil Foden.
Mastantuono’s contract with River expires in 2026.
Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly interested in Marcus Thuram
According to Spanish publication Fichajes, Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid are in a three-way battle for Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram.
Barcelona were reportedly interested in the 27-year-old when he was heading into the summer of 2023 as a free agent while at Borussia Dortmund. However, the deal didn’t materialise, and he moved to Inter Milan.
Despite the disappointment, Barcelona seem to still be interested in Marcus Thuram and are reportedly joined by Liverpool and Real Madrid in the race for the Frenchman. Arne Slot's side, looking to strengthen their attack, see Thuram as one who could add more firepower to their attacking arsenal.
Los Blancos, meanwhile, are looking for a player who could fill the void left by Karim Benzema, while Barcelona are seeking depth and strategic reinforcement. Marcus Thuram is one of the most in-form players in Serie A this season, scoring 10 goals in 14 league games and is second in the goalscoring charts.