Real Madrid appeared to have secured yet another generational talent when news broke that Franco Mastantuono, the 17-year-old River Plate prodigy, had agreed to join the club for a fat €45 million release clause.
Mastantuono move on hold: Real Madrid signing could slip to 2026
But all is not as set in stone as the Merengue faithful might hope. Despite reports of a mid-August arrival, sources close to River and statements from club president Jorge Brito suggest Madrid may not welcome their new signing until 2026.
River Plate is fighting—both publicly and behind the scenes—to retain its golden boy until at least the end of 2025.
Brito warns that while there’s no legal obstacle if Mastantuono chooses to execute his clause, the club will “defend its interests to the last penny,” pushing for the player to remain and influence their run in continental competitions.
Mastantuono himself is reportedly torn: eager to take the step to Europe, yet also keen to see River Plate through the Copa Libertadores campaign.
Negotiations continue. Real are preparing a six-year contract that places him on the third salary tier and includes a staggering €1 billion release clause—a gesture of faith in his long-term potential.
Meanwhile, River says his current deal runs until December 2026, and they argue, both for team cohesion and sporting ambition, that his presence in La Bombonera is invaluable for the current campaign.
As clubs await the outcome, there’s buzz that Real may try again to fast-track the move—perhaps using Mastantuono’s dual Argentine-Italian passport to register him for the Club World Cup roster.
Whether that plan will work remains to be seen; FIFA regulations, registration deadlines, and tumultuous logistics all stand in the way.
In the meantime, Madrid fans might have to wait a little longer to taste the magic of their next jewel.
Whether August or January, the club’s hierarchy must weigh ambition against diplomacy, trusting both the player’s readiness and River’s determination to hold on—at least until the final whistle of 2025.
