Xabi Alonso has focused on building a foundation for the future since his arrival to Real Madrid on May, using the same youth-first strategy that brought him success at Bayer Leverkusen. In another major step toward that vision, Los Blancos have reportedly beaten out Paris Saint-Germain to sign a 17-year-old wonderkid from Argentina in a deal worth $57 million.
Real Madrid have been the most aggressive club early in the 2025 summer transfer window. Their first move was to sign Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen for €59 million, followed by a €10 million deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was entering free agency. Now, reports indicate they’ve sealed yet another signing.
According to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, Real Madrid have activated the €45 million release clause of River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono. Factoring in a 13% tax on the deal, the final price tag rises to €50 million—about $57 million—making it one of the biggest signings in South American football this year.
PSG had reportedly opened talks with Mastantuono in early June, with reports claiming UEFA Champions League-winning coach Luis Enrique personally called the player in an effort to sway him to Paris. Despite offering higher wages, as Fabrizio Romano reported, Mastantuono “fell in love” with Xabi Alonso after he spoke to him for 45 minutes on Wednesday.
Mastantuono has long expressed his desire to play for Real Madrid, who initially approached him earlier in 2025. His contract with the Spanish giants runs until June 2031. The only detail left to finalize is the payment structure, as Madrid are reportedly aiming to pay the release clause in installments rather than in a single lump sum.
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In the meantime, Mastantuono remains part of Argentina national team and is also set to play in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with River Plate. Once the deal is complete, he is expected to officially join Real Madrid after turning 18 on August 14.
Franco Mastantuono set to become Argentina’s most expensive rxport
Argentina has long been a factory for world-class soccer talent, many of whom have made their mark in Europe. But Franco Mastantuono’s rise stands out: his €50 million transfer is set to become the most expensive sale in the history of Argentine soccer.
He surpasses former River Plate product Enzo Fernandez, whose move—counting all fees and bonuses—reached €44.25 million. Boca Juniors’ Rodrigo Bentancur follows with €27.9 million paid by Junventus, while River Plate’s Claudio Echeverri was sold to Manchester City for €27.5 million.
