|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Spanish giants Real Madrid have reportedly won the race to sign highly rated Argentine teenager Franco Mastantuono from River Plate.
The 17-year-old, widely considered one of the world’s top young talents, made his senior international debut for Argentina this week, further raising his profile on the global stage.
Mastantuono has been a sensation at River Plate, drawing comparisons to past greats for his skill, vision, and composure beyond his years.
After months of speculation and strong competition from European giants, Los Blancos are set to secure his signature ahead of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.
According to reports, the midfielder will sign a six-year contract with Real Madrid, keeping him at the Santiago Bernabéu until 2031.
The Spanish giants will activate his €45 million release clause, marking a record transfer for River Plate, surpassing the €44 million Benfica paid for Enzo Fernández in 2022.
New Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who succeeded Carlo Ancelotti this summer, is said to have personally called Mastantuono to persuade him to choose Madrid over PSG. Manchester United also expressed interest but failed to convince the youngster.
Despite the agreement, Mastantuono will remain with River Plate until after his 18th birthday. This allows him to participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where River Plate are set to face Inter Milan in the group stage. It will offer the prodigy his first taste of European competition.
Since scoring on his debut for River in early 2024, Mastantuono has tallied 10 goals in 61 senior appearances. He made headlines with a stunning free-kick goal in the Superclásico against Boca Juniors and recently earned his first cap for Argentina, coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 win over Chile.
