In a move that signals both excitement and intent, Real Madrid have reopened talks regarding one of Argentina’s most promising young stars, Franco Mastrantuono—just a year after negotiations were halted due to complications with the player’s agents. This renewed interest is now backed by strong endorsements from club executives and glowing praise from observers who believe the teenager has the potential to shape the future of Los Blancos.
According to Defensa Central, club figures Santiago Solari, José Ángel Sánchez, and Juni Calafat have successfully persuaded president Florentino Pérez to revisit the idea of signing Mastrantuono. The shift in stance comes after several trusted voices close to the player spoke directly to Pérez, describing the 17-year-old as “better than Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Ousmane Dembélé… the new Messi, a true genius.” Their enthusiasm led the club to arrange a video call with Mastrantuono just days ago, underlining their renewed and serious interest.
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Although the midfielder’s release clause with River Plate stands at €45 million, Real Madrid are not planning to activate it in full. Instead, they are preparing a bid in the range of €20–25 million, with the proposal including a loan arrangement allowing Mastrantuono to remain at River Plate for two more seasons before making a permanent move to Madrid. The success of this deal will ultimately depend on both River Plate’s approval and the decision of the player—who is a known Madrid fan and dreams of wearing the white shirt.
Inside the club, there is strong belief in Mastrantuono’s potential to become one of the best in the world. Despite his age, he is already leading River Plate’s midfield with maturity, managing pressure and expectations as though he were a veteran.
Still, Real Madrid remains cautious. While his talent is undeniable, the club understands that success is never guaranteed at the top level. Management is wary of overpaying or making impulsive moves, preferring to assess whether a player has the long-term potential to justify the investment—especially in a market where many prospects show early promise.
Marketing considerations also play a vital role. South American stars often open doors to new global fan bases, and the commercial appeal of a player is always factored into major decisions at the Bernabéu.
For now, Mastrantuono’s future remains uncertain, but Madrid are keeping a close eye. With the summer transfer window approaching, things could change quickly—just as they did with Eduardo Camavinga, who arrived unexpectedly and became one of the team’s cornerstones.
