Mastantuono prioritises Madrid over other clubs interested in him

Franco Mastantuono's move to Real Madrid is taking more shape than ever. A few days after journalist Fabrizio Romano said that Madrid had contacted River Plate and the player's inner circle to get to know him better and negotiate his arrival, the youngster has reportedly already commented privately that he wants to join the Spanish side, according to 'Relevo'.

The midfielder has prioritised Madrid over other clubs who are also interested in him but he will not be able to move from Argentina until he comes of age, which will be in August 2025. Until then, the Madrid board's idea is for the 16-year-old to remain at River Plate with guarantees that he will build up a competitive rhythm.

He renewed his contract until 2026 a month ago with a clause of 45 million euros, although it is quite likely that this move was only aimed at ensuring that a hypothetical sale to Europe would ensure a good financial return.

This model of signing young players by the time they are 18 has become established in the Real Madrid board, which has already signed Endrick and snapped up other long-term talents such as Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes in the past.