Real Madrid still weighing options on Franco Mastantuono transfer - reports
Real Madrid remain highly interested in Franco Mastantuono, the talented 17-year-old midfielder from River Plate. The Argentine youngster, who has been a key player under Marcelo Gallardo at the Millonarios, is closely monitored by the Spanish giants, although the club still has reservations about whether to sign him this summer or wait until the end of the year, as reported by AS.
Mastantuono is under contract with River Plate until December 2026. However, renewed interest from Real Madrid has led the player and his representatives to pause consideration of other offers from interested clubs.
One major factor delaying the move is Mastantuono’s desire to complete the Copa Libertadores campaign with River Plate. The tournament, which ends on November 29 in Lima, Peru, has seen the young midfielder emerge as one of the competition’s standout performers.
Another consideration is that Mastantuono is still a minor and will not turn 18 until August 14. This, however, is not seen as a significant obstacle. Real Madrid previously signed him when he was 16 and planned to loan him back until reaching the age of 18, a strategy similar to the one used with Endrick, who was signed from Palmeiras but only joined Madrid after turning 18. The club believes it is better for Mastantuono to continue developing in his familiar surroundings, close to family and teammates.
Real Madrid are also keen to finalise other transfer business first to determine their budget, which could include proceeds from player sales and earnings from their upcoming participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. The club is reportedly prepared to meet Mastantuono’s €45m release clause, although they hope to negotiate a lower fee.
Negotiations between the clubs began last year but were subsequently put on hold. The player’s name has recently resurfaced in discussions, with River Plate president Jorge Brito and vice-president Ignacio Villarroel attending Real Madrid’s match against Leganes in March. The two clubs have maintained excellent relations over the years. Notably, the River Plate officials were in Madrid during a stopover on their return from meetings in Beijing and Shanghai.
A positive aspect for Real Madrid is that Mastantuono would not occupy a non-EU player slot, as he has Italian heritage. This means Madrid would only have two non-EU players registered — Endrick and Alexander-Arnold. Following Brexit, English players no longer count as EU players, affecting squad registration.
Real Madrid’s careful approach reflects their intent to balance the timing of the transfer with the player’s development and the club’s financial strategy.
