Real Madrid have officially announced the signing of Franco Mastantuono from River Plate in a deal worth €45 million.
Mastantuono becomes Madrid’s third summer signing, following the arrivals of Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Argentine midfielder was a major target for Paris Saint-Germain, but Madrid moved decisively to secure his services.
Madrid had monitored the teenager for over two years and made their final push when PSG appeared close to sealing a deal.
The player prioritised a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, but wanted to stay with River Plate for the Club World Cup before making the switch.
Mastantuono rose through the River Plate youth academy between 2019 and 2024, before making his first-team breakthrough last season.
He became the youngest goalscorer in River Plate’s history in February and helped them win the Argentine Super Cup.
The teenager also made history this month by becoming the youngest player ever to feature in an official match for the Argentina national team, coming off the bench in a World Cup qualifier against Chile.
Madrid’s confidence in his potential is underlined by the release clause included in his contract, reportedly set at €1 billion.
The club believe Mastantuono can make an immediate impact in the first team and have been impressed by his technical ability, vision and temperament.
Manager Xabi Alonso is excited to work with the player and sees him as a long-term option in central midfield.
Mastantuono registered four goals and four assists in just 12 league appearances during the first phase of Argentina’s top-flight season this year.
His transfer continues Madrid’s aggressive youth-focused recruitment, following the signings of Endrick, Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham.
Madrid are also in the market for a new striker this summer, but the addition of Mastantuono further strengthens their long-term midfield succession plan.
