Real Madrid has reportedly secured the signing of Franco Mastantuono, one of the brightest young stars in Argentine football, according to Reuters. The international agency claims River Plate and the Spanish giants have reached an agreement worth around $45 million, taxes included..

A 17-year-old gem already making waves

At just 17 years old, Mastantuono has been turning heads since making his debut for River in January 2024. He quickly earned a starting spot thanks to his magical left foot and a maturity way beyond his years. A River Plate spokesperson told Reuters that the deal is “done,” although they’re still ironing out the final details of the contract.

Despite the agreement, River Plate is hoping to keep the youngster in Buenos Aires at least until December so he can help the team in the final stages of the Copa Libertadores and possibly the Club World Cup. This condition was key to the negotiations, given how important Mastantuono is to Marcelo Gallardo’s squad.

European interest and big expectations

Mastantuono has already caught the eye of several big European clubs, and his name even popped up on Spanish TV show El Chiringuito, where they called him a “generational talent.” He also has a background in tennis and has shown a deep love for football from an early age — especially after that stunning free-kick goal in the Superclásico against Boca Juniors.

To top it off, Lionel Scaloni recently called him up to the senior national team for the South American World Cup Qualifiers. If he plays, Mastantuono would become the youngest player ever to debut for Argentina in an official match.