In a jaw-dropping twist during the summer transfer window, Real Madrid have outmaneuvered Paris Saint-Germain in securing the highly-coveted signature of Franco Mastantuono, River Plate’s 17-year-old sensation. The deal, which was confirmed by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, signals another chapter in Real Madrid’s relentless pursuit of future footballing royalty.
Romano’s announcement, made via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, sent shockwaves through the footballing world. “Real Madrid are very close to signing Franco Mastantuono,” Romano wrote. “An official announcement will be made soon. The race is over.” According to the report, a personal agreement between the player and the Spanish club is already in place, leaving only the final financial arrangements with River Plate to be resolved.
Real Madrid are reportedly working behind the scenes to avoid triggering the teenager’s full $45 million release clause. Instead, Los Blancos are seeking a structured payment plan that will satisfy River Plate’s valuation while allowing Madrid to maintain financial flexibility under their new transfer model.
Mastantuono has rapidly become one of South America’s most talked-about young talents. Revered in Argentina and already nicknamed “Messi 2.0” by some local media and fans, the young midfielder has dazzled with his dribbling, vision, and left-footed brilliance—uncanny traits that echo Lionel Messi’s early career. However, sources close to the player insist he is determined to forge his own path, not live in anyone’s shadow.
This rising star recently broke a long-standing national record by becoming the youngest Argentine to play for the senior national team in an official competition—surpassing even Messi’s record. His substitute appearance in a narrow 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Chile was widely praised, with pundits noting his confidence and composure well beyond his years.
River Plate had hoped to retain Mastantuono until at least the end of 2025, especially with the Copa Libertadores and the Club World Cup on the horizon. However, Real Madrid’s urgency, intensified by Paris Saint-Germain’s aggressive interest, accelerated negotiations and forced the Argentine club to reconsider.
PSG’s approach, believed to be heavily influenced by their desire to rebuild after the departure of Kylian Mbappé—ironically to Real Madrid—was seen as a serious threat. But once again, Madrid’s prestige and long-term vision have proven to be decisive in attracting elite youth talent.
Crucially, new Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is said to have played a personal role in luring Mastantuono. Having recently taken over from Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso has made it a mission to build a new generation at the Bernabéu. He reportedly reached out to the teenager directly, sharing his plans and how Mastantuono fits into the club’s future midfield alongside players like Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham.
Mastantuono’s highlight-reel moment came during the fierce Superclásico between River Plate and Boca Juniors, when he delivered a jaw-dropping free-kick goal that silenced La Bombonera. That performance cemented his reputation as a player made for the big stage and raised the eyebrows of scouts across Europe.
Real Madrid’s scouting and recruitment departments, long praised for their proactive targeting of elite prospects, are once again earning acclaim for outpacing their continental rivals. From Vinícius Jr. to Rodrygo, from Endrick to now Mastantuono, Madrid’s blueprint for the future is increasingly clear: invest in the best young talent before the rest of the world catches up.
Madrid are said to value the teenager at around €18.4 million but understand that his ceiling is significantly higher. Despite not yet being a household name in Europe, internal projections at Valdebebas suggest he could be a pillar of the club for the next 10–15 years.
The player himself is believed to be thrilled about the move. In conversations with those close to him, Mastantuono reportedly called Real Madrid his “dream club” and shared his admiration for current midfield icons Luka Modrić and Jude Bellingham. That admiration, along with the opportunity to learn under a tactically astute coach like Alonso, was instrumental in his decision to reject PSG’s higher financial offer.
Despite the Messi comparisons, Mastantuono seems intent on shaping a unique playing identity. He has already shown glimpses of being a complete midfielder—someone who not only dazzles with creativity but is also committed defensively and tactically aware.
River Plate, while understandably reluctant to lose their prized asset, are open to a delayed transfer arrangement. One potential scenario would see Mastantuono remain in Buenos Aires until December 2025, giving him time to lead River through the knockout stages of the Copa Libertadores and compete in international club tournaments before officially joining Madrid.
Madridistas have taken to social media to express their delight, with speculative starting XIs already placing Mastantuono alongside the likes of Bellingham, Valverde, and Tchouaméni. For fans of Los Blancos, the thought of combining the brilliance of Vinícius, Rodrygo, Endrick, and Mastantuono under one roof is exhilarating.
Though the official unveiling is yet to take place, sources within Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex expect it to happen within days. The medicals and contract formalities are being lined up swiftly, with all indications pointing toward a done deal.
Once the paperwork is finalized, this will mark another major coup for Real Madrid’s president Florentino Pérez, who has masterfully overseen a generational transition without losing the club’s competitiveness. If Mastantuono delivers on his promise, this signing could go down as one of the defining moments of Madrid’s modern history.
With this transfer, Real Madrid aren’t just thinking about next season—they’re building an empire designed to dominate for the next decade. The message is loud and clear: under Xabi Alonso, the Galácticos of the future are already arriving.