The legend Thierry Henry surprises everyone and urges Florentino Pérez to immediately sign a young star whom he described as someone who will surpass Lamine Yamal

As the 2024/2025 football season draws to a close, the transfer rumor mill has already begun spinning, and Real Madrid finds itself in the center of attention yet again. With several key players suffering injuries throughout the season, the club is widely expected to be aggressive in the upcoming summer transfer window to strengthen its squad.

Amid all the transfer chatter, one voice has cut through the noise — that of Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry. The iconic striker has stunned fans and pundits alike by recommending a young Argentine talent whom he believes will not only take the football world by storm but even surpass Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal.

Speaking on CBS Sports’ Stunning Goal, Henry praised the rapid evolution of football talent and singled out one name that has captivated him: Claudio Echeverri Mastantuono. The 17-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder recently made headlines by scoring a spectacular match-winning free-kick in the Superclásico against Boca Juniors, igniting buzz throughout South America and beyond.

Henry was effusive in his praise. “People said no one could surpass Messi or Cristiano. In my generation, we had Pelé, Maradona, Zidane, Ronaldo… and now Lamine Yamal. But now, there’s Mastantuono. The kid is a phenomenon,” he said passionately.

The Frenchman emphasized the importance of nurturing young talents without overwhelming them with pressure. “At 17, I started my professional journey, and I know how delicate that age can be. What I love about Mastantuono is his composure and ability to control the tempo. Let the boy enjoy the game without suffocating him with expectations,” Henry added.

Mastantuono’s name has already been circling in European scouting reports, especially at Real Madrid. The club showed strong interest in the youngster last summer but failed to reach an agreement with River Plate, who remained firm on the player’s €45 million release clause — a figure Madrid was unwilling to meet outright at the time.

Sources indicate that Real Madrid had proposed a split payment deal to River Plate, allowing Mastantuono to stay in Argentina on loan for another year while easing the financial pressure on the Spanish club. However, River refused to budge, and talks stalled.

But now, with Henry’s public endorsement and the player’s stock rising rapidly, the conversation has been reignited in Madrid’s boardroom. Club president Florentino Pérez is known to act swiftly when an opportunity arises — especially when global legends back a player so strongly.

Mastantuono’s technical ability, vision, and maturity beyond his years have already drawn comparisons with some of Argentina’s greatest midfielders. His ability to dictate play and deliver under pressure has impressed not only Henry but also scouts from clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite interest from several European powerhouses, insiders close to the player suggest that his dream is to play in Spain — with Real Madrid being his top preference. “He watches La Liga religiously and has always admired Real Madrid’s history, ambition, and style,” a source close to Mastantuono’s camp revealed.

The endorsement from Thierry Henry could be the catalyst Real Madrid needs to make a decisive move. Having missed out on talents like Jude Bellingham in previous years before eventually securing him later, Pérez may not want to risk losing another generational talent to a Premier League rival.

What makes Mastantuono even more appealing is his versatility. While primarily operating as an attacking midfielder, he is comfortable playing in deeper roles or even drifting wide — a tactical flexibility that fits Real Madrid’s evolving midfield under Hansi Flick.

The buzz around him is no longer confined to Argentina. European football media outlets are now tracking every move the teenager makes, and his social media following is rapidly growing, signaling the making of a global star in the digital age.

If signed, Mastantuono could form part of a future Madrid core alongside the likes of Arda Güler, Endrick Felipe, and possibly even Leny Yoro — a foundation that could dominate Europe for the next decade.

However, Real Madrid remains cautious. The club is unwilling to disrupt its strict wage and transfer structure, especially after streamlining operations in recent years. Pérez will only greenlight a deal that fits the club’s financial vision and long-term sporting project.

Even so, the pressure is mounting. When a legend like Thierry Henry goes public with such admiration, it rarely goes unnoticed. Fans are already calling for Florentino to “listen to Henry” and act before another top club swoops in.

For Mastantuono, the road is still long. But with his talent, mentality, and growing list of admirers, especially in Madrid, the stage seems set for the next chapter in his journey — and possibly a future in the famous white of Real Madrid.

Only time will tell whether Pérez heeds Henry’s urgent advice. But one thing is certain: the race for Claudio Echeverri Mastantuono is on, and Madrid may need to act fast if they hope to secure a player some already believe could be greater than Lamine Yamal.