Real Madrid regularly anticipate transfers by up to several years. This is particularly the case of Endrick, whose transfer was formalized in December 2022 for his arrival at the age of majority last July. The Spanish club almost did it again with Franco Mastantuono, a River Plate gem estimated at €45 million, but the way the discussions took place completely cooled the Madrid leaders.
The Real Madrid is often the first club attracted by the future talents of tomorrow. Especially in South Americawhere many gems have blossomed in recent years, such as Vinicius Junior, Endrick or even Rodrygo. Recently, a young player was turning the heads of many prestigious clubs in Europewhose Real Madridbut nothing went as planned.
An extension that goes badly
Suddenly appeared in the first team of River Plate last March, the young attacking midfielder, then 16 years old, Franco Mastantuono turned many heads in Europe. At the end of his contract in December 2024, his profile was ideal for the Real Madridwishing to recover it either free or for an affordable amount. But while his entourage had promised that he would not extend, he finally signed a lease until December 31, 2026 with a release clause of €45 million, the highest in the Argentine championship. A twist of theater which had terrible effects for the Argentine player.
Real Madrid doesn’t want to hear about it anymore!
Faced with what is considered a betrayal by the Real Madrid according to Markseveral other clubs, such as FC Barcelona et l AC Milan are also retreating. The Spanish media reveals that in recent weeks, the entourage of the now 17-year-old player has resumed contact with the Real Madridwho politely thanked them. Franco Mastantuono will therefore not be the first Argentinian since Angel Di Maria to wear the colors of Real Madrid.
