Real Madrid have once again underlined their reputation for securing the world’s brightest emerging talents, beating Paris Saint-Germain to the highly sought-after signature of Franco Mastantuono.
The Argentine sensation, who has been making waves with River Plate, is set to join Los Blancos after a breakthrough agreement was reached over a €40 million deal. Though official confirmation is pending, reliable sources including Fabrizio Romano have confirmed that the six-year deal has been sealed, marking another masterstroke by Madrid’s recruitment team.
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Madrid’s Persistence Pays Off in Transfer Chase
Although Real Madrid have had their sights set on Mastantuono since 2023, early discussions failed to yield any concrete results. It wasn’t until PSG aggressively entered the fray that things escalated. The French champions, long considered favourites for his signature, pushed hard to lure the teenage prodigy to Paris.
However, with careful planning and strategic negotiation, Madrid re-entered the race with purpose. This culminated in the Spanish giants outmaneuvering PSG to secure the player’s commitment, ensuring yet another elite talent would soon grace the Santiago Bernabeu.
€40 Million Deal Finalised in Installments
According to Romano, the financial details surrounding Mastantuono’s transfer have been meticulously structured. Real Madrid will pay the €40 million fee in multiple instalments, allowing them to manage their budget effectively while still meeting River Plate’s valuation.
While the agreement is complete, River Plate are hopeful that Madrid will permit Mastantuono to remain with them for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Should this condition be granted, the wonderkid will link up with the Madrid squad by August, offering him a summer filled with both domestic honours and international exposure.
Juni Calafat’s Personal Touch Secures Signing
One of the pivotal moments in this deal was the involvement of Real Madrid’s chief scout, Juni Calafat. Known for masterminding the arrivals of talents like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, Calafat took a hands-on approach, flying to Buenos Aires to engage directly with Mastantuono’s family and inner circle.
That personal outreach, coupled with the appeal of Madrid’s rich legacy, swayed Mastantuono towards the Spanish capital. Reports from Spanish media even suggest that Mastantuono delayed talks with other European powerhouses, holding out for the call from Madrid he had long been hoping for.
Xabi Alonso’s Influence in Project Vision
Adding further weight to the negotiations, newly-appointed Madrid manager Xabi Alonso played a key role in convincing the player. Alonso reached out directly via phone, outlining Mastantuono’s potential role in his tactical setup. This personalized assurance helped seal the youngster’s preference for Madrid over PSG.
Mastantuono appreciated the clarity and vision shared by Alonso, with his decision to snub PSG reportedly made soon after that conversation. The allure of playing for the 15-time European champions proved irresistible.
What’s Next for Mastantuono?
Football enthusiasts will not have to wait long to watch the promising midfielder in action. Mastantuono is expected to feature for Argentina when they lock horns with 2024 Copa America runners-up Colombia in an upcoming World Cup qualifier on June 11.
Additionally, a tantalizing possibility remains on the horizon: River Plate could potentially meet Real Madrid during the Club World Cup. Such a matchup would provide Mastantuono with a unique opportunity to face his future employers before officially donning their colours.
Scaloni Backs Move to World’s Biggest Club
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has offered words of encouragement regarding Mastantuono’s leap to Europe. “If it really happens, it’s a lot. Going to Real Madrid is a gigantic thing. We are talking about the best club in the world,” Scaloni stated.
However, Scaloni also urged patience, acknowledging the player’s tender age: “Logically, he is still 17 years old. We talked to him and if he keeps it up, he’ll surely do well.”
Read More: Why Liverpool’s Pursuit of Florian Wirtz Justifies a Record-Breaking Fee
FAQs
Who is Franco Mastantuono?
Franco Mastantuono is a 17-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder who plays for River Plate and has been hailed as one of South America’s brightest young talents.
How much will Real Madrid pay for Mastantuono?
Real Madrid will pay €40 million to River Plate, with the fee structured across multiple installments.
Why did Mastantuono choose Real Madrid over PSG?
Madrid’s personal outreach, including calls from Xabi Alonso and a visit by chief scout Juni Calafat, persuaded Mastantuono to join Los Blancos.
When will Mastantuono join Real Madrid?
If River Plate’s request is approved, Mastantuono will remain for the Club World Cup and join Madrid in August.
What has Lionel Scaloni said about the transfer?
Scaloni said, “Going to Real Madrid is a gigantic thing. We are talking about the best club in the world,” while emphasizing the importance of patience with Mastantuono’s development.
