River Plate’s young playmaker, Franco Mastantuono has agreed to join Real Madrid, the Spanish powerhouse said Friday.
River Plate brokered a 63 million euros ($72 million) for the 17-year-old attacking midfielder.
This summer, Mastantuono will represent the Argentine team in the Club World Cup in the United States before relocating to the Spanish city.
“Mastantuono will be a player at our club for the next six seasons, from 14 August 2025 to 30 June 2031,” said Los Blancos in a statement.
“At 17, he is also the youngest player to play an official match for the Argentina national team in its history.”
“Mastantuono executed his release fee clause, along with Real Madrid,” explained River Plate, providing full financial details of the deal, which earns them 45 million euros, with the rest of the money largely distributed on taxes.”
“Thank you, Franco, for your performance and talent. It has been a privilege to see you grow at the club,” the statement continued.
“We wish you all the best in this new era, which comes after the Club World Cup.”
After graduating from the River academy, the midfield player made his debut for the team in January 2024.
After Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, he is Real Madrid’s third summer acquisition.
After failing to win a major prize this season, Madrid also hired Xabi Alonso as their new coach to succeed Carlo Ancelotti.