Real Madrid slow down their efforts for Argentine wonderkid

Until a little over a month ago, Franco Mastantuono was relatively unknown, especially outside Argentina. The young Argentinian talent had caught the attention of Real Madrid, but negotiations have recently taken a turn for the worse, putting the potential transfer in jeopardy.

Mastantuono's remarkable development in the Argentinian League has transformed him into an international sensation, attracting attention from several top Premier League clubs. Esteemed teams like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool are now keenly interested in signing the talented Argentine wonderkid.

Born in the city of Azul on August 14, 2007, Franco began his career as a footballer in River Plate. The Argentina midfielder made his official debut with the national team on January 28, 2024, at 16 years old.

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Real Madrid shifted its transfer policy over the past few years to focus on young up-and-coming talents. Much like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Endrick, or Federico Valverde, Mastantuono would fit the criteria.

In just one season with the first team, the young Argentine midfielder has stood out for his incredible technical ability and vision on the pitch. Pure talent with a promising future in European football.

Mastantuono's value is estimated to be around €4m but has an active release clause for €45 million (£38,6m/$48,5m), according to Transfermarkt.

According to the sports publication Relevo, the Argentina player himself would have communicated to the two parties involved (River Plate and Real Madrid) his desire to sign for the Spanish club. Nevertheless, the Spanish club has halted negotiations due to financial disagreements with River Plate.

Mastantuono himself gave a 'like' to a publication by Real Madrid on Instagram, in which the image of Florentino Pérez appeared cheering on Vini Jr and Valverde before the important second-leg match of the UCL semi-finals.

Real Madrid has been the most interested so far in the young Argentine. According to the Spanish newspaper AS, Mastantuono is under the watchful eye of many European giants. A couple of times in the Premier League are now leading the charge for the Argentine midfielder.

Mastantuono has, precisely, a release clause of €45 million (£38,6m/$48,5m), the highest in the history of Argentine football.

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Real Madrid was mingling with the idea of a transfer deal that would support a loan deal at River Plate until 2025. According to AS, the Spanish club is negotiating the finances behind the deal in order to bypass the release clause and set fixed variables that could benefit the Argentine club in the future, however, it seems River Plate is looking for a different buyer.

River has already set the tone in the past with the sale of its promising young players, such as Julián Álvarez and Claudio Echeverry to Manchester City or Enzo Fernández to Benfica and his subsequent transfer to Chelsea.

In the particular case of Mastantuono, he also has the added bonus that, for Real Madrid, he would not require a non-EU position, since the Azul footballer has Italian nationality through family inheritance. And he could incorporate it before the age of 18, precisely for that reason, without violating FIFA regulations.

Despite his tender age and his relatively new boom in the football world, he resembles a 'galactico' status.

Furthermore, Real Madrid likes his versatility in the midfield, where he has shown great qualities as a playmaker.

A study from MPB School of Coaches shows that the Argentine player is a well-rounded midfielder: with great control, solid dribbling, and incredible shooting abilities.

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Mastantuono began playing soccer when he was only 3 years old at River de Azul, where his father was a coach. From there he went to Cemento Armado de Azul at the age of 11, before joining the 'Millonario' academy a year later, in 2019.

It would not be until August 2023 when the young midfielder would sign his first professional contract with River Plate, just half a year before coach Martin Demichelis made him debut with the first team in the League Cup against Argentinos Junior, on January 28, 2024.

Since that moment, Mastantuono has not stopped growing to the point of becoming an important squad player.

It was on February 7, when he became the youngest player to score in an official match with River Plate, surpassing Javier Saviola.

He would become the youngest player to win a title with River Plate (Argentine Super Cup) and the youngest player to score in the Copa Libertadores, against Libertad of Paraguay.

Mastantuono has great projection and could very well become one of the best midfielders in the world. With Real Madrid one step closer, and the Argentine national team right around the corner, young Mastantuono is on the verge of a massive career breakthrough. Let us know what you think in the comments!