According to sources who spoke to ESPN, Real Madrid is almost done signing Franco Mastantuono, a playmaker who played for River Plate at the Club World Cup. The player is anticipated to arrive in August. According to sources, Madrid will pay €45 million for Mastantuono; however, the exact amount of the payment has not yet been decided. The player will also sign a six-year contract that will last until 2031.
A Madrid representative was in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, according to ESPN, trying to finalize a deal for the 17-year-old Argentina international despite competition from Paris Saint-Germain.
Mastantuono preferred a transfer to the Santiago Bernabéu, and his team had halted advanced negotiations with PSG while they awaited Madrid to fulfill their long-term interest in the player.
In line with the midfielder’s demands and to facilitate his move, sources informed ESPN that Madrid has now agreed that Mastantuono will join them in August—he turns 18 on August 14—and play for River at the Club World Cup in the United States.
Real Madrid agree deal for River Plate teenager Mastantuono
The local media considers 17-year-old Mastantuono, who made his River debut in January 2024, to be the newest Argentine football prodigy. Under coach Marcelo Gallardo, the gifted left-footed finisher quickly made a name for himself as a starter and an important member of the Buenos Aires-based squad.
A club source told Reuters, “The sale is settled; in the final talks, it remains to agree on some details,” without providing any other details regarding the deal.
Mastantuono had been linked to several major European teams, including Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, following his spectacular free kick during River Plate’s Superclásico victory over Boca Juniors in April.
In order to finish their Copa Libertadores campaign, River plans to keep the attacking midfielder on loan at the team until December, according to local press reports.
Mastantuono was just called up for the first time by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni for games against Chile and Colombia in the South American qualifications. He might become the youngest player to play for Argentina as a senior.
