Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images
River Plate teenage prodigy Franco Mastantuono has emerged as a target for Real Madrid after exploding on the South American footballing scenes this year.
The 16-year-old versatile midfield talent has attracted interest from several top European clubs but Real Madrid have shown the strongest interest and the player too appears keen on the move.
In fact, reports have suggested that Mastantuono and Real Madrid already have an agreement over his salary, leaving the negotiations with River Plate as the final hurdle.
River Plate officials in Madrid
Now, journalist Hernan Castillo reports that top-ranking officials from River Plate are already in Madrid to negotiate the transfer of Franco Mastantuono with the reigning European champions.
As per the update, River Plate president Jorge Brito and first vice president Matias Patanian are in the Spanish capital to hold talks with Real Madrid over the 16-year-old’s transfer.
Mastantuono has a release clause worth €45 million in his contract which will rise to €50 million in the final days of the transfer window.
It is unlikely that Real Madrid will pay the entire sum of the 16-year-old’s release clause but aim to meet that figure through fixed and variable fees, like the deal they did to sign Endrick from Palmeiras.
Even though Mastantuono is still 16 years old, he can make the move from Argentina to Spain right away as he also possesses an Italian passport.
But even if the deal goes through, it is likely that Real Madrid let the youngster continue at River Plate so that his development continues without any hiccups.
