Madrid signs Mastantuono

Real Madrid signs 18-year-old Argentina winger Franco Mastantuono after a long chase by several European clubs.

Madrid lands €63.2 million Mastantuono

Real Madrid unveiled Franco Mastantuono on his 18th birthday after agreeing to sign him from River Plate in a deal worth €63.2 million. The Argentina international, who can play on the wing or as a No 10, was pursued by Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United before Madrid prevailed. The recruitment was steered by head coach Xabi Alonso and chief scout Juni Calafat, continuing Madrid's successful South American talent route.

Under the agreement, River Plate will receive €45 million as Mastantuono's release clause, while the remaining €18.2 million covers levies. Some €11.8 million goes to Spain's tax authorities under a double-tax treaty that taxes gains in the destination country. Madrid covered these taxes to ensure River still received the full €45 million. Mastantuono will join Madrid on August 14, the day he turns 18, and it remains to be seen how Alonso plans to use him, potentially on the wing or in midfield.

The Mastantuono deal shows Real Madrid’s patience and global scouting network in action. Calafat’s influence is evident once again, paired with Alonso’s direct involvement, signaling a blend of long-term planning and immediate coaching input. The move reinforces Madrid’s preference for high-upside youths who can be developed into first-team players rather than quick fixes.

The financial mechanics also reveal how modern transfers operate beyond the headline price. The €63.2m figure includes levies and a tax bill that illustrates how the double-tax treaty shapes deals with South American sales. For River Plate, the arrangement preserves a huge cash inflow, but it also underscores the cash-flow risks for sellers if payments are staged. For Madrid, the challenge will be turning potential into consistent on-pitch returns while managing expectations about development time and wage costs.

Highlights

Madrid’s talent bets may shape how the club balances youth development with big-money signings