Franco Mastantuono is edging closer to becoming a Real Madrid player, but fans hoping to see him in Spain this summer will need to wait a bit longer. According to a new report from Marca, Real Madrid have all but secured an agreement with the 16-year-old Argentine prodigy — but his transfer won’t be finalized until after River Plate’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The player, along with his representatives and River Plate, has requested that he remain with the Buenos Aires club through the end of the tournament. It’s a scenario that suits all parties: Mastantuono gets a major opportunity to shine on a global stage with his boyhood club, while Real Madrid secure one of the most exciting young talents in world football.
Negotiations between Real Madrid and River Plate are ongoing, and Juni Calafat — the club’s chief scout and key figure behind recent South American signings — personally traveled to Buenos Aires to move talks forward. Reports in Spain say the framework of an agreement is now clear: Madrid are ready to pay Mastantuono’s €45 million release clause, likely in six structured instalments, as River have been unwilling to lower their valuation.
While the paperwork isn’t signed just yet, Mastantuono’s move to Madrid is described as a matter of “when,” not “if.” The player’s agent and Calafat are expected to fly to Spain next to finalize the final terms.
Importantly, according to SER, Mastantuono has already spoken directly with Real Madrid representatives — including manager-in-waiting Xabi Alonso — and is reportedly enthusiastic about the role he’ll play in the team’s long-term project. Barring any surprises, Mastantuono is expected to join up with Madrid in late July, after the Club World Cup concludes.
This development also explains why Paris Saint-Germain, who had been monitoring the situation, backed out of the race after refusing to match the €45 million clause.
