Real Madrid Snaps Up River Plate Prodigy Franco Mastantuono With Record €1 Billion Release Clause

Real Madrid Bets Big on Franco Mastantuono

Real Madrid isn't pulling any punches in the transfer market. The Spanish giants just signed River Plate’s 17-year-old sensation Franco Mastantuono—beating out heavyweights like Paris Saint-Germain for his signature. The move shows Madrid's willingness to invest heavily in raw, young talent with sky-high potential.

Real Madrid didn't just agree to pay a €45 million transfer fee; they locked Mastantuono down with a mind-boggling €1 billion release clause. That's not just a nod to how highly they rate the Argentine—it’s a sign to the rest of the football world that this kid isn’t going anywhere without a serious battle.

Mastantuono’s stats already leap off the page. In just 12 league games this season for River Plate, the midfielder has chalked up four goals and four assists. He’s not just flashy on the ball—his set-piece skills and vision have made him a key piece for his club, and he’s earned a senior cap for Argentina before even turning 18.

The Spanish club sees him as more than another promising prospect. Madrid is facing intense competition in La Liga, especially with Barcelona’s recent successes. They believe Mastantuono’s creativity and composure can breathe new life into their midfield. Some in the club think he could make an immediate first-team impact the moment he lands in Madrid.

Why Mastantuono Chose Madrid Over PSG

There was a tug of war for Mastantuono. Paris Saint-Germain made a strong push, but Mastantuono made it clear that Madrid’s history and global prestige tipped the scale. It's not every day you see a teenager putting down such a clear career marker, but Mastantuono wants to step into the boots of legends who have come before him.

A big reason for his decision? He’s eager to develop under Madrid’s new coach, Xabi Alonso, who is famed for molding midfielders into world-class stars. Mastantuono will stick with River Plate through the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, helping the club chase global silverware before heading to Spain right after his 18th birthday on August 14, 2025.

Back home in Argentina, fans will get to see Mastantuono in action a little longer before he’s off to European football’s brightest stages. His calm under pressure and hunger to win are quickly becoming his trademarks. He’s already talking up his next big test—facing Inter Milan in the Club World Cup group stage—but says he’s not fazed by reputations. "They’re the strongest team in the group, but we want to win," he recently told reporters. That confidence might be just what Madrid is looking for.