Liverpool have a “growing interest” in completing the signing of a “crazy” talent who has already held contract negotiations with Real Madrid, leaving the Spanish club trying to speed things up.
Liverpool rivlary with Madrid continues over Huijsen deal
The Reds have almost become renowned for being relatively frugal in the transfer market under owners FGS, with both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot often tasked with working their magic with a smaller squad than some of their rivals.
This summer is reportedly going to be one of the busiest in years at Liverpool, however, with Slot set to be handed lots of funds for new signings, as they seek to replace Madrid-bound Trent Alexander-Arnold for starters, with a deal for Jeremie Frimpong nearing completion.
Reds captain Virgil van Dijk has put an element of pressure on owners FSG, saying he expects lots of money to be spent in the coming weeks and months.
“I think it has to be a big summer and I trust the club and the people who make the decisions to do the right thing.”
The man who could have become the skipper’s successor looks to be following Alexander-Arnold to Madrid however, with the Spaniards pulling ahead in the race for Dean Huijsen. Indeed, Florentino Perez’s side have approached Bournemouth over a £50m deal and are discussing personal terms with the young defender.
Madrid are now leading the race for the Cherries star ahead of the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool, and after seemingly missing out to their European rivals again, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have turned their attentions further up the pitch.
Liverpool have "growing interest" in Messi-like youngster
According to a fresh report from Sport [via Sport Witness], Liverpool have a “growing interest” in River Plate midfielder Franco Mastantuono, who has a £38m release clause in his current deal.
The 17-year-old is considered one of Argentina’s brightest young talents, with Manchester United and Madrid also interested in signing him. In fact, Madrid even agreed a contract with the player last year, and while a deal didn’t go through then, they are now hurriedly speeding up their interest in fear of missing out to the Reds.
Mastantuono looks like an incredible prospect, so Liverpool should be doing all they can to beat United and Madrid to his signature in the summer window.
At just 17, the Argentine has already racked up 59 appearances for River Plate, bagging 16 goal contributions in that time (nine goals and seven assists), and analyst Ben Mattinson has called his talent “crazy”, also saying he is a “leader”.
Meanwhile, FIFA have even compared him to Lionel Messi, which is the ultimate praise: “He has a different, special aesthetic. The stretched, slender, elegant body. He receives with his foot and the game options seem to multiply. From right to left. With the inside edge or the instep. With the toe or the outside of the boot. Franco Mastantuono, the new promise -figure- of River Plate, 17 years old, has the complete repertoire.”
An attacking midfielder by trade, Mastantuono could arrive at Liverpool as a squad player to begin with, but given the heights he is reaching in his homeland, he could end up becoming a superstar at Anfield.
