Liverpool have stayed away from the sort of big-money wonderkid signing pursued by many a Premier League rival over recent years
Yes, Chelsea, we are looking at you.
Because while the Stamford Bridge outfit continue to hoard rising stars and bright young things like a comic book fanatic with his still-boxed action figures, the most expensive teenager in Liverpool’s history is still Divock Origi.
And over a decade has passed now since the Champions League final hero arrived at Anfield in a £10 million deal from LOSC Lille.
So if the Premier League champions-elect are to splash out considerable sums on the likes of Augustin Ruberto, Ian Subiabre and Franco Mastantuono – Liverpool are interested in the River Plate trio – a place in the club’s history books will be theirs.
Ruberto, Subiabre and particularly Franco Mastantuono will cost well in excess of that Origi fee.
Franco Mastantuono warning as Liverpool eye £40m Argentine
River Plate hope to increase Subiabre’s release clause. Mastantuono already has a £40 million clause in his own deal, though that has not stopped Manchester United from seemingly stepping up their interest in perhaps the most coveted attacker in all of South America.
With the Red Devils planning for next season before the current one has even ended – Matheus Cunha appears to have at least one foot through the door at Old Trafford already – Liverpool must move fast if they are to avoid being caught napping in the race for Mastantuono’s very sought-after signature.
Though, speaking ahead of Sunday’s Superclasico – think Liverpool vs Man United with even more ferocity and reams of ticker tape – Boca Juniors legend Sebastian Battaglia is keen to issue a few words of warning to a 17-year-old prodigy already approaching a crossroads in his very young career.
“Mastantuono has impressive abilities,” Battaglia, the former Argentina midfielder who had two spells as a player and one as a manager with Boca Juniors, tells TN Sports. “He seems very relaxed, very skilful, with the ability to unbalance [defenders] at any moment.
“He’s a player to be reckoned with for all opponents. He has many qualities. The way he approaches the match, the way he controls and asks for the ball all the time, the passes he makes, the shot he has. The audacity with which he plays, that’s what you see.
“[But] he is young. You have to give him time and don’t rush into things because sometimes you can confuse him. He has very good talent, but you have to treat him like any other young player.”
Enzo Fernandez would love to see Mastantuono pick Chelsea
It appears the ship has already sailed, however, in that regard. Despite having only played 53 first-team games – and with his 18th birthday still months away – Mastantuono is already very familiar with the sort of pressure many players far older than him never have to contend with.
The potential of a transfer tug-of-war between Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and countless over European powerhouses would be a distraction for most, but Mastantuono seems happy enough to take it in his stride.
Another River Plate graduate, Chelsea’s £108 million midfielder Enzo Fernandez has no doubts about his fresh-faced compatriot’s talent. Perhaps, given the odd nudge by his current employers, Fernandez’s praise for the twinkle-toed winger came with an ulterior motive in mind.
“Franco Mastantuono is doing very well,” Fernandez tells reporter Gaston Edul, a less-than subtle hint that he would love to see the Argentina youth star join him in South London. “He has future in Europe future and international potential