Real Madrid Sign £38.5m Argentine Wonderkid Amid Man Utd Links, Casting Doubt on Rodrygo’s Future
Real Madrid Sign Argentine Prodigy Franco Mastantuono in £38.5m Deal
By Abdi Rashid | Updated: 19:00 BST, 13 June 2025
Real Madrid have secured the signing of River Plate’s 17-year-old Argentine sensation Franco Mastantuono in a groundbreaking £38.5million deal. The attacking midfielder, who last week became Argentina’s youngest-ever player in a competitive match, will join Los Blancos on a six-year contract starting August 14—his 18th birthday.
[Image: Mastantuono in a River Plate jersey]
Caption: Mastantuono, 17, broke records at River Plate and now joins Real Madrid.
Madrid triggered Mastantuono’s release clause, setting a new transfer record for River Plate. The teenager has been a first-team regular for two seasons, famously scoring in the Superclásico against Boca Juniors to become the fixture’s youngest goalscorer. His rapid rise continued with a historic Argentina debut in a World Cup qualifier against Chile, where he entered as a late substitute in a 1-0 victory.
Youth Movement in Madrid
Mastantuono is Madrid’s third summer signing after Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen. His arrival intensifies competition in an already star-studded squad, casting doubt over the future of Brazilian winger Rodrygo.
[Image: Rodrygo on the bench during a Madrid match]
Caption: Rodrygo’s role has diminished amid Madrid’s influx of talent.
Rodrygo reportedly clashed with manager Carlo Ancelotti after refusing to play in last month’s El Clásico, frustrated by limited playing time behind Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr, and Jude Bellingham. With Madrid demanding around £70m for his transfer, Arsenal defender Gabriel publicly endorsed his compatriot, telling the Podpah Podcast: “He’s a phenomenon. If it were up to me, [Arsenal] would sign him!”
What’s Next for Mastantuono?
The Argentine prodigy joins a Madrid side eyeing domestic and European dominance. His versatility and flair add depth to a midfield already featuring veterans like Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Meanwhile, Rodrygo’s potential exit could spark a bidding war, with Premier League clubs closely monitoring the situation.
[Image: Mastantuono training with Argentina’s national team]
Caption: Mastantuono’s meteoric rise includes a record-breaking Argentina debut.
At just 17, Mastantuono embodies Madrid’s strategy of blending youth with experience. As the Bernabéu prepares to welcome its latest star, all eyes will be on how Ancelotti integrates the teenager into a squad brimming with talent.
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Real Madrid sign Argentine wonderkid, 17, in £38.5m deal… as Man United target’s arrival casts fresh doubt over Rodrygo’s future at the Bernabeu
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This condensed version retains key details while streamlining the narrative. Suggested images highlight Mastantuono’s milestones and Rodrygo’s uncertain status.
