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Franco Mastantuono Eager for Real Madrid Arrival as Xabi Alonso’s Role Revealed
Franco Mastantuono, a highly-rated prodigy from Argentina, declared that Real Madrid is the “biggest club in the world” after announcing his summer transfer to Madrid from River Plate. The 17-year-old also revealed how a phone call from Madrid coach Xabi Alonso influenced him to pick Madrid over other rivals, including PSG.
A previous report confirmed that Franco Mastantuono is transferring from River Plate to Real Madrid after being persuaded by a personal conversation with Xabi Alonso.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Real beat off competition from a host of European giants to sign Mastantuono, agreeing to pay River Plate a fixed fee of $72.6m (£60m/€69m), plus add-ons, setting a new Argentine football transfer record. Speaking at a press conference to announce his move, Mastantuono revealed how Los Blancos’ project convinced him to pick Madrid. “The phone call with Xabi Alonso was key… Real showed me how much they wanted me,” said the midfielder, who will complete the season with River Plate. He is set to officially join Madrid next summer after signing a six-year deal.
A previous report indicates that Franco Mastantuono agreed to a six-year deal with Real Madrid lasting until June 2031.
RAPID RISE AND STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
Mastantuono has been in sparkling form for River this term, scoring four goals and providing four assists in 12 league appearances. His performances have ensured that River remain perfect after eight matches in the Argentine top flight. A gifted playmaker, Mastantuono also made his debut for the senior Argentina national team during the international break, coming off the bench in their 2-0 win over Chile. Praising the midfielder, Alonso said: “He is a very good player and we are convinced he will help us from day one. He is already showing signs of how good he can be and was brilliant for Argentina against Chile.”
Franco Mastantuono has scored four goals and made four assists in 12 games in Argentina’s first division this season, according to a previous report.
WHAT NEXT FOR MASTANTUONO AND MADRID?
Mastantuono will see out the season with River before moving to Madrid next summer. In the meantime, Real return to league action in August for their league opener against Osasuna as they try to reclaim the La Liga title that was won by Barcelona last time around.
Franco Mastantuono will remain at River Plate until August when he turns 18, as reported previously.