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Real Madrid beat PSG to signing of Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono
Real Madrid beat PSG to signing of Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono
Real Madrid have won the race for one of South America's brightest young stars, confirming the signing of 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono from River Plate.
Currently with River Plate in the U.S. for the Club World Cup, the teenage playmaker will officially make the move to Madrid in August. His departure comes on the back of an impressive breakout year - and after intense competition for his signature.
Madrid had been tracking the young Argentine for the past two years, keeping tabs alongside other European giants. While their interest briefly cooled, they reignited talks swiftly when Paris Saint-Germain appeared to be closing in. In the end, Los Blancos acted decisively.
Mastantuono himself requested to stay with River through the Club World Cup, hoping to close out his time there on a high before embarking on the next chapter of his career.
With the deal done, Mastantuono becomes Madrid's third signing of the transfer window, following Dean Huijsen and the headline-making arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The moves signal the club's determination to rebound after a frustrating season that ended trophyless and included four painful defeats to archrivals Barcelona.
Under new head coach Xabi Alonso, Madrid see Mastantuono as more than just one for the future. The coaching staff rates his vision, composure on the ball, and lethal set-piece delivery. They've also been impressed by his maturity and character - key traits as he prepares to step into one of the most demanding environments in world football.
In Argentina's Primera División this year, Mastantuono delivered four goals and four assists across 12 matches - not bad for a teenager still finding his footing. And earlier this month, he capped off his rise with a senior debut for Argentina, coming off the bench in their 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Chile.
With Mastantuono set to wear white this August, Madrid fans have a new name to keep an eye on - and perhaps, in time, chant at the Bernabeu.
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