Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso backs incoming Franco Mastantuono to outshine Lamine Yamal

The deal, finalized for 63.2 million euros, will see the young star join Los Blancos in August 2025 when he turns 18, as confirmed by a recent club statement on X.

Alonso, who took the helm at Real Madrid after parting ways with Bayer Leverkusen, has high expectations for Mastantuono.

According to Defensa Central, the former Spain midfielder said the winger could be "the missing piece" for the team. The outlet also reported Alonso's bold claim that Mastantuono surpasses Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, stating, "He arrives as an improvement over Yamal, with greater potential and a lower salary."

Yamal, who turns 18 on July 13, has already won two La Liga titles and Euro 2024 with Spain, making Alonso's statement a significant endorsement of Mastantuono's talent.

The signing comes as Real Madrid look to rebound from a disappointing 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals. Despite a strong start under Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti last season, the defeat exposed weaknesses in the squad.

To address this, Real Madrid have been active in the transfer market, securing Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen and Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, while also pursuing Liverpool duo Ibrahima Konate and Alexis Mac Allister, according to recent reports.

However, not all players are part of Alonso's vision. Fichajes reported that the manager has put Brahim Diaz up for sale, with Bayern Munich expressing interest in the versatile Moroccan attacker. "Diaz's ability to play across the front line makes him an ideal fit for Bayern's needs," a source close to the German club said.

Diaz struggled for regular starts under Ancelotti, and Alonso appears ready to reshape the squad around younger talents like Mastantuono.

Real Madrid's official X account posted on July 10, confirming Mastantuono's signing: "We're thrilled to welcome Franco Mastantuono to the Real Madrid family in August 2025. A new era begins!"

The post sparked excitement among fans, with many eager to see how the Argentine integrates into a squad already boasting stars like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are reportedly planning a bold move to lure Rodrygo from Madrid, with Fichajes noting that the Reds are prepared to meet his key demands. Alonso, however, remains focused on strengthening his squad, with Defensa Central reporting that he has personally urged the club to finalize a deal for another unnamed Liverpool star.

As Real Madrid prepare for the 2025-26 season, Mastantuono's arrival signals their ambition to dominate both domestically and in Europe. With Alonso's faith in the young winger and a busy transfer window, Los Blancos are poised for an exciting new chapter.