Real Madrid has reached an agreement with River Plate to sign Franco Mastantuono in a deal worth $52 million, to be paid in three installments. River Plate president Jorge Brito confirmed the details in an interview with TyC Sports, even disclosing the exact figures involved in the transfer.

Fans Unhappy Over Young Star Departure

The departure of the young talent has not gone down well with River fans, who are saddened by the early exit of one of their brightest prospects. Still, Brito took full responsibility for the move:

“If River fans need someone to blame, let it be me,” he stated firmly.

The agreement includes an initial payment of $23 million, followed by two further installments of $14.4 million each, to be paid in June 2026 and June 2027.

“We Couldn’t Crush His Dream”

Brito described the transfer as “immense” and said there was no other realistic outcome than the player joining the Spanish giants.

“We couldn’t crush the dream of a player, of a person,” he said.

Although the club president tried to extend Mastantuono stay until the end of the year, Real Madrid pressure proved decisive. The player will compete in the Club World Cup with River Plate before joining Real Madrid in August.

“We couldn’t achieve our goal of keeping him until the end of the year. Then Madrid said, ‘it’s this or nothing’. The clause was triggered by the player in agreement with the club, which is why the payment was structured in installments,” Brito explained.

A Historic Sale for River

The deal represents one of the biggest transfers in River Plate history not only for the amount, but also considering the player is just 17 years old. Even though the payments will be spread out, the club secures a significant financial boost.

As for Real Madrid, this marks another bold investment in South American talent. While the success of players like Endrick and Arda Güler remains uncertain, the potential arrival of Xabi Alonso as head coach could pave the way for young players to take on more prominent roles in the near future.