Real Madrid seal $45M deal for Argentine sensation Franco Mastantuono

According to recent reports, Real Madrid have secured the services of Franco Mastantuono from River Plate. The Spanish giants have agreed on terms with River Plate to sign the 17-year-old in a deal worth USD 45 million. The payment is expected to be in multiple installments. However, the Argentinean outfit will request the player to feature for them in the FIFA Club World Cup and part their way at the start of the preseason. 

Breaking the news, the famous transfer journalist, Fabrizio Romano posted on X:

BREAKING: Franco Mastantuono to Real Madrid, here we go! 

Argentinian top talent will join Madrid on six year deal. $45m fee to be paid in installments.

Formal steps to follow next week with River Plate now asking for Franco to play Club World Cup then leave in August.

🚨🤍 BREAKING: Franco Mastantuono to Real Madrid, here we go! Argentinian top talent will join Madrid on six year deal.

$45m fee to be paid in installments. ⭐️🇦🇷

Formal steps to follow next week with River Plate now asking for Franco to play Club World Cup then leave in August. pic.twitter.com/PDgYV3u6g2

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 8, 2025

Who is Franco Mastantuono? 

Franco Mastantuono has grabbed eyeballs in recent times with his performances from attack. He was highly appreciated across Europe, with Manchester United and Paris St Germain wanting to secure his signature. 

The Argentinian forward broke into the senior squad of River Plate in January 2024 and has never stopped impressing the neutrals since then. In 2024, he had seven appearances in the Argentinian top flight and had four goal contributions to his name. His breakthrough came in the 2025 campaign where he scored 5 goals and made three assists in 16 appearances across all competitions. His ability to play in the heart of the midfield makes him one of the most attractive prospects in Europe.

What next for Real Madrid? 

Real Madrid have already secured the services of Trent Alexander Arnold from Liverpool and Franco Mastantuono from River Plate, filling their attack and defense ahead of the 2025/26 season. They are also looking forward to signing Alvaro Carreras from Benfica to have an additional fullback who can feature on both flanks. While transfers continue to take place, Real Madrid will travel to the United States of America in June to feature in the FIFA Club World Cup.