Real Madrid's busy summer window continues with capture of PSG target Franco Mastantuono - but Argentine starlet will only join after River Plate's Club World Cup campaign

To secure Mastantuono’s signature, Real Madrid triggered the release clause in his River Plate contract, which stood at €45 million (£38.5m). The figure represents a record-breaking outgoing transfer for the Argentine club, surpassing the €44m fee they received for Enzo Fernandez when he moved to Benfica in 2022. He has signed a six-year deal with Los Blancos, which will keep him at the club until June 30, 2031.

Paris Saint-Germain were also vying for his signature, but Madrid were always considered front-runners due to the player’s own preference. Sources close to the negotiations revealed that Mastantuono had long favoured a move to Spain over France, with his sights firmly set on donning the famous white jersey of Real Madrid if a move away from Argentina materialised.

Mastantuono broke into River Plate’s senior team in January 2024, making his debut at the tender age of 16. That milestone placed him as the third-youngest debutant in the storied club’s history. Since then, he has amassed 61 appearances, scoring 10 goals and registering seven assists, a remarkable return for someone still in their teens.

Mastantuono becomes Madrid’s third signing of the summer transfer window. He follows English international right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined from Liverpool, and Spanish defender Dean Huijsen, acquired from Bournemouth. All three additions are seen as part of a long-term strategy to refresh and strengthen a Madrid squad that faltered both in Spain and Europe. However, Madrid fans will have to wait a little longer to see their new starlet in action as he will be available only from August 14.