Real Madrid Secure Argentine Prodigy Franco Mastantuono In Record-Breaking €63M Deal.
Real Madrid have bolstered their squad with the signing of 17-year-old Argentine sensation Franco Mastantuono from River Plate in a landmark €63.2 million (£54.1m) deal, marking the most expensive transfer in Argentine football history. The LaLiga giants announced the move on Friday, confirming that the attacking midfielder will join the club on 14 August 2025, the day he turns 18, after competing with River Plate at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
Mastantuono, who has signed a six-year contract until June 2031, triggered his €45 million (£38.5m) release clause, with the remaining €18.2 million allocated to taxes and fees, including payments to Spanish tax authorities, the players’ association, and the Argentine Football Association (AFA). River Plate hailed the transfer as a “privilege” to have nurtured Mastantuono’s talent, wishing him success in his new chapter. “Thank you, Franco, for your performance and talent,” the club said in a statement.
The versatile midfielder, capable of playing centrally or on the right wing, has been a standout at River Plate since his first-team debut in January 2024, aged just 16. He became the club’s third-youngest debutant and its youngest-ever goalscorer, netting 10 goals and providing seven assists in 61 appearances. His stunning free-kick in River’s Superclásico victory over Boca Juniors in April earned him widespread acclaim, while his recent substitute appearance for Argentina against Chile made him the youngest player to feature in a competitive match for the national team, surpassing Lionel Messi’s record.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Mastantuono, who was also courted by Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, intensified under new manager Xabi Alonso, who sees the teenager as an immediate asset to replace the departing Luka Modric. The club’s scouts, who monitored Mastantuono for two years, praised his vision, set-piece prowess, and mature temperament. A €1 billion (£852m) release clause in his contract underscores Madrid’s confidence in his long-term potential.
The transfer, Madrid’s third this summer following the arrivals of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, pushes their total spending to €133 million. Alonso’s vision for a youthful, dynamic squad is taking shape, with Mastantuono expected to make an instant impact at the Santiago Bernabéu. “He’s a different kind of No. 10, with remarkable technical ability and a bright future,” said Alonso, as reported by sources close to the club.
Mastantuono’s decision to remain with River Plate for the Club World Cup reflects his commitment to easing his departure from the Buenos Aires club, where he rose through the academy. Fans on X have celebrated the signing, with posts describing him as “the next big thing” in world football, though some expressed concerns about his development given limited playing time for other young talents like Endrick and Arda Güler under previous management.
As Real Madrid prepare for a pivotal season, Mastantuono’s arrival signals their intent to reclaim domestic and European glory. With the Club World Cup looming, all eyes will be on the Argentine starlet as he bids farewell to River Plate before embarking on his European adventure.