Real Madrid beat PSG to signing of Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono
Real Madrid have won the race for one of South America's brightest young stars, confirming the signing of 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono from River Plate.
The Ligue 1 side moved swiftly to secure the young forward's services even before the 2024-25 season ended, but negotiations have stalled, leaving Fati's future uncertain.
Barcelona had hoped to sell the 22-year-old permanently, ideally with a clause to retain some control over his future, such as a buy-back option. Monaco, however, have no intention of meeting those demands.
Their proposal centred on a loan deal, but they were unwilling to cover Fati's full wages, which have risen significantly since his last contract renewal. Barcelona, firm in their stance, have rejected the offer outright, as they are reluctant to subsidise the salaries of players out on loan.
"They've made it clear they don't want to keep paying a chunk of his wages while he's playing elsewhere," a source close to the club told Spanish outlet Sport.
The rejection leaves Monaco with a decision to make: return with an improved bid or walk away. Fati's agent, Jorge Mendes, is reportedly working to find a compromise that could keep the Monaco move alive.
For Fati, regular playing time is crucial after a frustrating 2024-25 campaign under Hansi Flick, where he featured sparingly, making just 12 La Liga appearances, with only three starts.
Fati's lack of minutes was evident as early as January 2025, when he played only in a Copa del Rey tie against Barbastro and was left out of several matchday squads. Flick's decision to exclude him was widely seen as a signal for Fati to seek a move elsewhere, but the forward opted to stay and fight for his place until the season's end.
"He's aware he needs to play regularly to get back to his best," Mendes has said, per Mundo Deportivo. "We're exploring all possibilities to ensure he gets the minutes he deserves."
As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on whether Monaco can meet Barcelona's demands or if another club will enter the race for Fati's signature. For now, the young Spaniard remains in limbo, waiting for a breakthrough to reignite his promising career.