Real Madrid Secure Mastantuono in Record-Breaking Transfer from River Plate
It’s official: Franco Mastantuono, the 17-year-old Argentine prodigy, is set to wear the white of Real Madrid. This is more than just a transfer—it’s a moment that could shape the future of European football. The young attacking midfielder, who has already drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi and has been dubbed a generational talent, will be joining the Spanish giants from River Plate in a deal that has the football world buzzing.
The agreement sees Mastantuono sign a six-year contract with Real Madrid, officially joining the squad on August 14, just one day before River Plate’s crucial Copa Libertadores last-16 match against Libertad. The deal includes a €45 million release clause—the largest sale in River Plate’s history, even topping the €44 million move of Enzo Fernandez to Benfica in 2022. In total, River reports the deal’s value at €63.2 million, with the remaining sum covering tax obligations and football associations.
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Madrid had been tracking Mastantuono since mid-2024 and fended off serious interest from Paris Saint-Germain to seal the deal. Sources close to the negotiations indicated the teenager’s heart was always set on Madrid. He becomes the third addition to their squad this summer after Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, showing Madrid’s clear intent to blend established stars with elite youth.
What makes Mastantuono stand out? For one, he made his senior debut for River at just 16 and went on to tally 10 goals and seven assists in 61 matches. He’s been used both as a central playmaker and as a right-sided attacker. His flair, vision, and rapid development have made it nearly impossible to ignore him. And let’s not forget—he was once one of Argentina’s top youth tennis players before fully committing to football. That background adds a unique dynamism to his movement and stamina on the pitch.
He recently broke Messi’s record by becoming the youngest player ever to appear for Argentina in a competitive match, debuting in World Cup qualifiers against Chile. That’s not just symbolic—it’s a statement. Yet despite the media noise and lofty comparisons, Mastantuono is carving his own path. He’s more wiry than Messi, more versatile in his positioning, and still evolving.
There is some uncertainty about when exactly he’ll step onto the Bernabéu turf. River Plate are making every effort to keep him until the end of their 2025 season, especially if they make a deep run in the Libertadores. Real Madrid, understanding his potential, may be open to a delayed arrival. Either way, Mastantuono's future lies in Spain.
This transfer is more than just a blockbuster move—it’s Madrid betting on the future, investing in raw talent, and continuing their tradition of signing South America’s most promising stars. All eyes will now be on how Carlo Ancelotti handles his development, especially after criticism over limited minutes for other young talents. Still, Franco Mastantuono has already shown that he’s not just another wonderkid—he’s the real deal.
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