Real Madrid Signs Record-Breaking Teen Mastantuono

Real Madrid has signed 17-year-old Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono from River Plate in a transfer worth $52 million paid in three installments, with extra costs raising the total to over $72 million, setting a new record for Argentine football sales. River Plate president Jorge Brito confirmed the club had little leverage due to Mastantuono's release clause and the player's desire to move. Mastantuono will stay with River Plate to compete in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and will join Madrid in August after turning 18, in accordance with FIFA regulations. The midfielder has already made history as River Plate's youngest-ever scorer and the youngest player to appear for Argentina's national team. His talent and maturity have drawn praise from coaches and football experts, who believe he is ready for Spain's top league. This transfer continues Real Madrid's strategy of investing in elite South American youth talent.