The Athletic reveals Leverkusen pushed for Mastantuono last winter

The Rhinelanders were in talks with the highly-rated Argentine midfielder who was just 17 at the time.

Bayer Leverkusen wanted Franco Mastantuono in this year’s winter transfer window, according to a report from The Athletic.

Die Werkself’s interest came about when Xavi Alonso was still their head coach and Mastantuono’s release clause was €35million.

The German side held talks with the player and offered him the chance to be the successor to Florian Wirtz who was destined for a move.

Leverkusen’s pitch suggested they could be a bridge club where he could develop before joining Real Madrid a few years down the road. 

But Leverkusen dawdled and other teams were better positioned when they finally decided to make their moves for Mastantuono weeks later.

Mastantuono, who turns 18 today, inevitably ended joining Real Madrid who paid a reported €45million for his services. 

Meanwhile, Leverkusen opted to go for USA international Malik Tillman as their replacement for Wirtz who made the switch to Liverpool.