Real Madrid Battle PSG for €45m River Plate Wonderkid Mastantuono

Real Madrid are pushing hard to sign River Plate’s 17-year-old star, Franco Mastantuono. Despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Madrid want the Argentine midfielder.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Real Madrid want to sign Franco Mastantuono from River Plate. They have contacted the player’s agents and the club. Now, Madrid are close to a €45 million deal for the young midfielder. With taxes, the cost could be €55 million. This is the highest release clause ever in Argentine football. River Plate set this amount in Mastantuono’s contract in August 2023.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The fight to sign Mastantuono has become a big transfer story this summer. PSG has followed the player since April, but Madrid have stepped up their efforts recently. They may be reacting to the French champions’ interest. A key talk with future Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso might have helped the player decide. Reports say his childhood dream is to join Los Blancos.

Real Madrid lead La Liga with an eight-point advantage over Barcelona. Only four matches remain. Their chase for Mastantuono matches their plan to invest in young South American players. They have done this before with Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Endrick.

PLAYER PROFILE

Despite his age, Mastantuono has played 41 matches for River Plate’s senior team. He has scored three goals and provided three assists. People have compared him to young players already at Real Madrid, like Arda Güler. River Plate lead the Argentine Primera División by three points over Boca Juniors after 15 matches.

Mastantuono, who turns 18 in August, has excellent technical skills and vision. Many European clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City, are interested in him.

WHAT NEXT FOR MASTANTUONO?

If the deal happens, River Plate want to keep Mastantuono on loan until December 2025. This would let him join the expanded Club World Cup. It could be good for everyone, giving the player more time to grow before joining European soccer.

Real Madrid’s next match is against Real Betis on Sunday. They want to keep their lead in La Liga. River Plate play Racing Club in an important match this weekend, hoping to increase their lead in the Argentine Primera División to six points.