Real Madrid on the verge of signing Franco Mastantuono
Real Madrid is on the verge of finalizing the incorporation of River Plate’s young star, Franco Mastantuono, according to sources close to the club. The talented Argentinian midfielder, only 17 years old, would join the white team in August, after participating with River Plate in the Club World Cup.
The agreement between Real Madrid and River Plate is based on a transfer of 45 million euros, although the details of the payment are still to be defined. Mastantuono will sign a six-year contract, which will bind him to the club until 2031.
Real Madrid representatives traveled to Buenos Aires to accelerate negotiations for the Argentinian international, who was also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain.
Mastantuono showed a preference for playing at the Santiago Bernabéu, and his entourage had paused conversations with PSG, which were advanced, pending Real Madrid formalizing their interest.
Mastantuono is expected to join Real Madrid in August, once he turns 18 on August 14. This will allow him to play with River Plate in the Club World Cup in the United States, thus fulfilling the player’s wishes and facilitating his departure.
Real Madrid and River Plate are working on the final details of the agreement, including the payment method, although this is not expected to be a major obstacle.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has given his approval for the signing of Mastantuono.
Real Madrid considers that, after Luka Modrić’s departure this summer, the Argentinian represents an immediate solution for the midfield, valuing his vision and his threat in set-piece plays.
The club has also received positive reports about the player’s personality and behavior.
The Argentinian coach, Lionel Scaloni, recently called up Mastantuono for the first time for the matches against Chile and Colombia in the South American qualifiers.
Mastantuono could become the youngest player to debut for the senior Argentina national team.
