Liverpool stance on ‘record-breaking’ Argentina signing revealed – Exclusive
Liverpool have no interest in signing River Plate starlet Franco Mastantuono, Argentinian football expert Hernan Castillo has told Liverpool News.
The Reds did not sign anyone throughout the winter transfer window, despite supporter protests for the squad to be improved, as Richard Hughes continued his opportunistic approach to the market.
Meanwhile, in the closing days of the window, reports emerged out of Argentina, as relayed by Anfield Watch (29 January), that a record-breaking £39million move for Mastantuono was on the cards.
However, Castillo, who is prominently featured on Radio Continental and exclusively covers River Plate, relayed to Liverpool News that the Reds have no interest in signing the 17-year-old.
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According to James Pearce (4 February), Fenway Sports Group will invest in the squad at the end of the season, but the transfer plans will be “heavily influenced” by the ongoing contract negotiations.
Reds journalists have used any term associated with a big-money spending spree far too often, typically followed by an underwhelming window of activity.
This year, FSG will not be able to hide from across The Atlantic as Liverpool approach the business end of the season with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all leaving Anfield in July as things stand.
While it is difficult to begrudge a side that finished top of the Champions League league phase and is six points clear at the top of the Premier League for not pursuing a 17-year-old Argentinian wonderkid, Hughes should be making this type of signing.
Under the FSG model, promising talent with the potential to develop into elite-level talent is the main priority, and Mastantuono fits the bill.
The Argentina Under-20 international has nearly 50 competitive appearances to his name at such a young age – he has notched four goals and three assists while consistently catching the eye with his performances.
As a player who operates on the right flank, should Salah extend his stay on Merseyside beyond the current campaign, Mastantuono could be the perfect long-term replacement – here’s hoping the quashed interest is merely a smokescreen.
In other Liverpool news, Jamie Carragher names one Reds player he’s not convinced by.
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