Real Madrid Signs Franco Mastantuono for Record Fee

Real Madrid have signed 17-year-old Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono from River Plate for a base fee of €45 million, with the total value including fees and taxes reaching $72 million, setting a new record for Argentine football transfers. Mastantuono, who recently became Argentina's youngest-ever player in a competitive match and scored in the Superclásico against Boca Juniors, will officially join Madrid on August 14, his 18th birthday, after representing River Plate at the Club World Cup. He chose Real Madrid over interest from PSG and Manchester United, signing a six-year contract through 2031. Mastantuono joins as Madrid's third summer signing, after Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, reflecting the club's continued investment in young talent. His arrival is expected to increase competition within the squad, particularly affecting Rodrygo’s future, while manager Xabi Alonso has affirmed Brahim Díaz’s continued importance to the team. The transfer highlights Madrid’s strategy to build for the long term by securing promising young players.