Real Madrid Reignite Pursuit of River Plate Prodigy Franco Mastantuono Amid PSG Competition

Real Madrid have intensified efforts to secure the signature of River Plate sensation Franco Mastantuono, a rising star in South American football. According to sources close to ESPN and other outlets, the Spanish giants have sent a delegation to Buenos Aires led by key scout Juni Calafat, hoping to finalize a deal for the 17-year-old before the Club World Cup in the United States. However, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) also vying aggressively for the midfielder, the situation is far from straightforward.

Madrid Move Swiftly to Avoid Losing Out

Real Madrid have long been admirers of Franco Mastantuono. Having tracked the Argentina youth international for the past two years, Los Blancos initially hesitated to meet the €45 million release clause included in the teenager’s contract. But with PSG willing to meet River Plate’s full valuation and the arrival of new coach Xabi Alonso accelerating Madrid’s rebuild, the Spanish side has now re-entered the race.

A club representative is currently in Argentina, with Calafat—who previously helped Madrid sign Brazilian stars like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo—spearheading negotiations.

PSG Present Financial Muscle, Madrid Offer Prestige

While Real Madrid hope to lure Mastantuono with history, legacy, and sporting ambition, PSG are offering a clear-cut financial package that includes the full €45 million fee. A source told ESPN that “a deal for the playmaker will not be straightforward,” emphasizing that “PSG are in pole position to land the 17-year-old.”

Despite this, Mastantuono’s agents have reportedly stalled on signing with the Ligue 1 champions as they await Madrid’s official proposal. The player is believed to prefer a move to Spain.

Club World Cup a Potential Debut Stage

Madrid are eager to sign Mastantuono in time for the Club World Cup this month, where both they and River Plate are competing. Though they cannot meet before the quarter-finals, the tournament could offer the Argentine a dramatic debut if terms are finalized in time.

However, this would require agreement not only on personal terms—which are not expected to be a stumbling block—but also with River Plate, who have thus far insisted any interested party pay the full release clause.

A Complicated Picture for Nico Paz

Madrid’s strong interest in Mastantuono could have implications for current academy graduate Nico Paz. The 20-year-old, who had a standout season on loan at Serie A’s Como, has an €8 million buy-back clause. However, with Mastantuono potentially arriving in the same position, Paz is reportedly reassessing his future role at the club.

River Plate’s Record Sale in the Making

Should a deal go through this summer, Mastantuono’s transfer would eclipse River Plate’s current record sale—the €44 million fee that took Enzo Fernandez to Benfica in 2022. Mastantuono’s contract runs until 2026, but the Argentine giants have made it clear they will not negotiate below the release clause.

River board member Stefano Di Carlo said in April, “It’s a certainty that Mastantuono will remain with the club until the end of the 2025 season,” though the current developments may challenge that stance.

Mastantuono’s Meteoric Rise

Mastantuono made his senior debut in January 2024 at just 16, becoming the third-youngest player in River Plate’s history. He has since amassed 10 goals in 61 appearances, featuring prominently in 2025 with 19 starts, 7 goals, and 4 assists. Operating on the right wing in Marcelo Gallardo’s 4-3-3 formation, the left-footed playmaker has drawn comparisons to European greats for his technique, vision, and poise.

With dual Argentinian-Italian nationality and caps for Argentina up to U20 level, Mastantuono is already involved in preparations for the senior national team’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Madrid’s South American Strategy Continues

Should Mastantuono choose Madrid, he would be following in the footsteps of Gonzalo Higuain, who joined Los Blancos from River Plate in 2007. The connection between the two clubs also includes Santiago Solari, who played and coached at Madrid and now serves as the club’s director of football.

Although Madrid previously cooled interest after Mastantuono’s contract renewal, Calafat has reportedly convinced club executives to act decisively.

Franco Mastantuono’s next step will likely define his early career trajectory. Madrid’s tradition, youth integration, and global profile appeal to the teenager, but PSG’s aggressive financial offer cannot be ignored. Both clubs are playing a high-stakes game for a talent seen as one of South America’s finest.

With the clock ticking ahead of the Club World Cup and River holding firm on their valuation, all eyes now turn to how this tug-of-war plays out—and whether Mastantuono will be donning the white of Madrid or the blue of Paris when the next chapter begins.

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