Enzo Fernandez Lauds ‘Incredible’ Manchester United & Chelsea Target Franco Mastantuono

River Plate Wonderkid Turning Heads Across Europe

In a football world obsessed with the next big thing, Argentina seems to produce prodigious talent at a conveyor belt pace. The latest in line for superstardom? Franco Mastantuono. A name that may not yet be familiar to Premier League fans, but one that’s already making waves across South America—and clearly has admirers in high places.

One of those admirers happens to be Chelsea midfielder and World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez. A product of the very same River Plate academy that molded Mastantuono, Enzo Fernandez sees something special in the 17-year-old attacking midfielder—and he’s not shy about letting the world know.

“He’s showing that he has a European future. You can see it,” Enzo told ESPN Argentina in a recent interview. “He’s an incredible player. He’s doing very well and has shown great talent. In my opinion, he’s a star. I wish him the best and hope he can achieve all his goals. Hopefully he can also help us in the national team.”

High praise from someone who’s not just been there and done that—but did it en route to lifting the most coveted trophy in world football.

Who Is Franco Mastantuono?

Born in 2006, Mastantuono has only recently broken into River Plate’s first team but is already on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Chelsea and Manchester United are both reported to be circling the teenager, whose release clause stands at a hefty €45 million (£38.4m). That’s no small price tag for a player with less than 1,000 minutes of senior football under his belt.

And yet, there’s a reason those figures aren’t raising eyebrows in the scouting departments of the Premier League elite. Mastantuono possesses the kind of technical ability, football IQ, and composure that’s rarely seen in players his age. A left-footed playmaker with a keen eye for a pass and a willingness to carry the ball into tight spaces, he evokes memories of classic South American No. 10s.

It’s no wonder that River fans, and some of their legends, are already talking.

A Star in the Making, or Too Soon to Say?

One man urging caution, though, is River Plate head coach Marcelo Gallardo—a man known for developing youth as much as he is for winning trophies. While Gallardo doesn’t dispute Mastantuono’s potential, he’s quick to pump the brakes on the growing hype.

“Mastantuono continues to show flashes of being a special player,” Gallardo admitted. “But we need to understand the growth process; the young players have to develop with the team. We’ll keep backing them without getting carried away or heaping too much pressure on them.”

That measured tone is typical of Gallardo, who’s been here before with players like Julian Alvarez, Gonzalo Montiel, and of course, Enzo Fernandez. His words are less a denial of Mastantuono’s talent and more a reminder that stardom takes time—and the journey from potential to performance is often littered with detours.

Enzo Fernandez: From River to the World Stage

Enzo Fernandez won the Best Young Player award at the 2022 World Cup

It’s impossible to ignore the parallels between Enzo Fernandez and Mastantuono. Both were groomed in River’s revered youth system. Both broke into the first team as teenagers. And both caught the eye of European giants within months of making their senior debut.

Enzo Fernandez, of course, went on to Benfica before his record-breaking transfer to Chelsea in early 2023. He would go on to play a key role in Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar and is now a fixture in both club and country’s midfield.

His glowing endorsement of Mastantuono carries weight—not just because of what he says, but because of where he’s come from.

“Franco reminds me of the excitement I felt when I was coming through,” Enzo said. “River teaches you everything you need, but Europe is different. Still, I believe he’ll adapt. He has the talent and the mentality.”

Andres D’Alessandro: “He’s One of Ours”

Enzo isn’t the only River Plate alumnus singing Mastantuono’s praises. Former midfield maestro Andres D’Alessandro, known for his magic left foot and mesmerizing dribbles during his time at River and Internacional, sees something of himself in the youngster.

“I’m a big fan of his because he’s left-footed,” D’Alessandro said with a smile. “He reminds me of the players we had at River in the past, the natural playmakers—the No. 10s the club has always produced and continues to produce today.”

For a club that has boasted legends like Ariel Ortega, Pablo Aimar, and more recently, Juan Fernando Quintero, that’s no small compliment.

Chelsea & Manchester United Waiting in the Wings

With Mastantuono set to turn 18 this August, the window for a European move opens wide. According to multiple reports, Chelsea and Manchester United have already made preliminary enquiries. The competition is expected to be fierce, but both clubs have a clear need for creative midfielders who can grow into long-term assets.

Chelsea, in particular, have leaned heavily into youth recruitment under their new ownership. The idea of pairing Mastantuono with the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Moisés Caicedo in the heart of midfield is certainly tantalizing.

United, meanwhile, are still seeking a consistent creative spark in their midfield, with questions lingering around the futures of Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen. A young, versatile attacking midfielder like Mastantuono could be seen as both an investment in the future and a solution for the present.

The Bigger Picture: Managing Expectations

For all the headlines, release clause chatter, and club links, one thing is clear—Franco Mastantuono is still very much a work in progress. Talented, yes. Destined for greatness, maybe. But football is a game that demands patience as much as it does flair.

Gallardo’s approach—to nurture without smothering, to encourage without overwhelming—is one that more clubs and fans could learn from. The risk, as always, is that a move to Europe too soon could stall the development of a player who needs minutes more than money.

Still, when someone like Enzo Fernandez gives his seal of approval, it’s hard not to get a little excited.

Final Whistle

So, as Enzo Fernandez lauds Franco Mastantuono and top Premier League clubs continue to circle like sharks sensing blood in the water, the football world watches with bated breath. Will Mastantuono be the next River Plate export to conquer Europe? Or will the pressure weigh heavy on young shoulders?

For now, the answer lies in time, patience, and perhaps a little luck. But one thing is certain: when Enzo calls someone “incredible,” you’d be wise to take notice.