For several years, Real Madrid has made a specialty of finding its future starters from a very young age. This was the case for Federico Valverde (CA Peñarol), Vinicius Junior (Flamengo) and Rodrygo Goes (Santos). Last year, it was Arda Güler who arrived from Fenerbahçe to ensure the future of the Casa Blanca while Endrick arrives this summer from Palmeiras. Real Madrid does not intend to stop its strategy which is working well for the moment and has thus identified Franco Mastantuono.
A young 16-year-old talent, the attacking midfielder has already made 21 appearances this season with River Plate, scoring 3 goals and making 1 assist. Already valuable in the rotation with the Buenos Aires club, Franco Mastantuono is considered the club’s new gem, while Claudio Echeverri (17) will leave for Manchester City in January 2025. Indeed, the Mancunians have positioned themselves as Real Madrid’s main competitors in this matter and do not intend to give up. However, the Merengues do not only have one trick up their sleeve and intend to show it.
Real Madrid ready to wait a year
Recently renewed until December 2026, Franco Mastantuono now has a release clause of 45 million euros behind which River Plate is trying to take refuge. Nevertheless As explains that Real Madrid intends to lower the price and pay 25 million euros instead. The Merengues intend to rely on Santiago Solari, their director of professional football who is at the origin of this track. Currently in discussions with River Plate and the player’s entourage, the former coach of the Casa Blanca has a good relationship and has even obtained the player’s preference.
With the Argentinian club, things are also going well and the transfer price could also be revised downwards and reach around 25 million euros as Real Madrid wants. To do this, the Merengues would be ready to leave him one more season on the River Plate side so that he can continue his training and gain maturity. Patient but incisive, Real Madrid is slowly moving its pawns forward in the Mastantuono case and intends to reuse a winning formula that has worked in the past.
