Real Madrid’s scouts have been keeping a close eye on 16-year-old River Plate offensive midfielder Franco Mastantuono, who has been making a name for himself with his performances. Despite his young age and lack of experience at the top level, Real Madrid sees real potential in the teenager, who has already made three starts and seven substitute appearances for River Plate.
Mastantuono scored his first goal for the first team during the Copa Argentina match against Excursionistas, further sparking interest from top European clubs. River Plate wasted no time in securing the teenager’s future by extending his contract until December 2026, including a release clause worth €45 million, which increases to €50 million during the final 10 days of any transfer window. This move aims to protect the club’s interests and ensure a fair fee for Mastantuono’s services.
Real Madrid’s interest in the young Argentine midfielder indicates their ongoing focus on acquiring talent from the South American market. Mastantuono, who will not be able to move to Europe until he turns 18 in August 2026, is being closely monitored by top clubs like Barcelona and Manchester City. If he joins Real Madrid, he would become the team’s second Argentine player, following Nico Paz, and would be part of a midfield rejuvenation project that includes several promising talents.
The potential arrival of Mastantuono at Real Madrid would add to the club’s recent history of signing South American players, including Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo Goes, and Endrick Felipe. The Argentine midfielder would join a youthful midfield lineup that includes players like Arda Güler, Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelién Tchouameni. This recruitment strategy reflects Real Madrid’s commitment to building a strong and dynamic team for the future.
While Real Madrid has shown reluctance to pay a high fee for an inexperienced player like Mastantuono, they continue to monitor his progress and keep tabs on other promising talents across the continent. The competition for the young midfielder’s signature is fierce, with top clubs vying for his services. Mastantuono’s potential arrival in 2026 would mark a significant addition to Real Madrid’s squad and could further strengthen their midfield options in the coming years.
Overall, Real Madrid’s interest in Franco Mastantuono highlights their focus on scouting and acquiring talented players from the South American market. The teenager’s impressive performances for River Plate have caught the attention of top European clubs, and his future seems bright with a secure contract and a significant release clause. As one of the most promising young talents in the region, Mastantuono has the potential to make a significant impact in European football, should he join a top club like Real Madrid in the future.
