Real Madrid signs 17-year-old Argentinian Franco Mastantuono in a 63 million deal

Real Madrid announced today the signing of Franco Mastantuono , a 17-year-old midfielder from River Plate. As reported by this newspaper, Real Madrid accelerated negotiations for the player in the last couple of weeks, when it seemed PSG could land him, and has ultimately won the player over. The left-footer signs until 2031 , and Madrid is paying River Plate €45 million , which has ended up facilitating the payment of the buyout clause, plus another €18 million in taxes, bringing the transaction to a total of €63.2 million.

"The total amount of the transaction was €63.2 million, equivalent to $72.6 million, making it the largest transfer in the history of Argentine football. River Plate will receive a net €45 million," the Buenos Aires club announced in a statement.

Mastantuono will compete in the Club World Cup with the Argentine team and will join Real Madrid when he turns 18, on August 14.

This is the third signing for Real Madrid this summer, following Dean Huijsen , for 58 million, and Trent Alexander-Arnold , who arrived on a free transfer. These moves confirm the club's ongoing rebuilding process following the signing of Xabi Alonso as its new manager.

Mastantuono trained at River Plate between 2019 and 2024, and was part of the first team last season. He possesses great vision and has played 61 matches, scoring 10 goals.

In February 2024, he became the youngest goalscorer in the history of River Plate, a team with which he won an Argentine Super Cup. He is also the youngest player to ever play for the Argentine national team, at 17 years, 9 months, and 22 days old when he made his debut against Chile.