Real Madrid Sign Argentina’s Mastantuono in Record €63M Deal

Real Madrid has secured a record-breaking deal to sign 17-year-old Argentine playmaker Franco Mastantuono from River Plate for approximately €63.2 million ($72.6 million), the highest fee ever paid for an Argentine club player. Mastantuono, who made his Argentina national team debut earlier this year and is the youngest to do so, will join Madrid after representing River Plate at the Club World Cup in the United States this summer. The transfer includes a six-year contract running from August 14, 2025, until June 30, 2031, with a €1 billion release clause and a net salary around €3.5 million per year. Real Madrid activated his release clause, paying River Plate €45 million directly, with the remainder of the fee covering taxes and other fees, and the payment is reportedly being made in installments. This signing is Real Madrid's third this summer, following Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, and reflects the club's ambition under new coach Xabi Alonso following a trophy-less season. Despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Mastantuono prioritized moving to Real Madrid, who value his vision, set-piece ability, and character.