Spanish giant Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign teenage playmaker Franco Mastantuono from River Plate.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder cost Madrid little over 63 million euros ($72 million), according to a release from River Plate.
Mastantuono will compete in the team World Cup in the United States this summer with the Argentine team before heading to the Spanish city.
“Mastantuono will be a player at our club for the next six seasons, from 14 August 2025 to 30 June 2031,” said Los Blancos in a statement.
“At 17, he is also the youngest player to play an official match for the Argentina national team in its history.”
He made his national team debut in June against Chile in a World Cup 2026 qualifier.
“Mastantuono executed his release fee clause, along with Real Madrid,” explained River Plate, providing full financial details of the deal, which earns them 45 million euros, with the rest of the money largely distributed on taxes.
“Thank you, Franco, for your performance and talent. “It has been a privilege to see you grow at the club,” the statement continued.
“We wish you all the best in this new era, which comes after the Club World Cup.”
The midfielder came through River’s academy and made his first-team debut in January 2024.
He is Real Madrid’s third summer acquisition, following Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.
Madrid also named Xabi Alonso as their new coach, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, after failing to win a major prize this season.
