Real Madrid announce the signing of Franco Mastantuono from River Plate

With an official announcement made earlier today, Franco Mastantuono to Real Madrid can be considered signed and done with. A 2019 batch graduate from River Plate academy setup, Franco has penned 6 year deal with the Merengues.

Real Madrid activated the player’s release clause of $45m (€41.5m) earlier this month, as he becomes a Merengue till 2031. Franco’s dream has always been to play for Real Madrid, which facilitated a deal over rival clubs. PSG for example were hours away when reaching a deal for the player, but the call from Real Madrid meant everything collapsed.

Presentation scheduled for August

Franco is currently in the United States, as he prepares for the upcoming club World Cup with River Plate. Although the deal was completed in time for the player to join Madrid for the competition, both clubs agreed it was best for the player to stay for the competition.

The club World Cup debuts 2 days from now, ending in mid July. The player is expected to stay with River plate that entire time. After that, he will start packing his bags for Madrid as he won’t be available for the Copa Libertadores.

Franco is expected to be in Madrid on August 14, the day his Real Madrid contract starts and his presentation aswell. The player will be registered just in time for the Laliga season scheduled like one week from then.

On his arrival at Real Madrid, Franco is already largely regarded as a superstar. At 17, he has already become the youngest player to represent Argentina in an official match. That alone should be testament to his talent.

Many sources have claimed the player will join Real Madrid as a starter, as Xabi Alonso plans to count on him immediately. The Spaniard informed the player he will be a key factor in the immediate future. This influenced a move now, and not in January next year.

Franco is left footed, and is seen as the perfect solution for the right wing crisis at the club. He won’t have a spot handed to him on a plate though, he will have to fight tooth and nail to fend competition. At a club like Real Madrid, competition for a playing spot is never in lack.