Why Real Madrid walked away from signing South American wonderkid

Recent reports from MARCA have shed light on why Real Madrid decided to step back from pursuing Argentine sensation Franco Mastantuono.

The River Plate midfielder, once heavily linked with Los Blancos, saw his transfer prospects derailed due to a sharp hike in his release clause, now set at an eye-watering €45 million.

For several weeks, Mastantuono’s name was frequently mentioned in connection with Real Madrid and other top European clubs.

Known for their keen eye for young talent, particularly in South America, Real Madrid initially viewed the Argentine midfielder as a promising prospect.

Mastantuono had all the attributes that fit the profile of a player who could develop into a star under the right guidance.

However, the situation surrounding his transfer shifted dramatically, leaving European clubs, including Madrid, with little choice but to reconsider their interest.

Real Madrid’s abandonment

Initially, the player’s transfer seemed more straightforward. Mastantuono’s contract with River Plate was set to expire in December 2024, leading to speculation that he could be signed at a reasonable price.

Negotiations were reportedly underway with several clubs, and it appeared as though Real Madrid could secure the player for a fair amount.

However, this changed unexpectedly when Mastantuono’s representatives finalised a contract renewal with River Plate in March.

Details of the deal

The new deal extended his stay at the club until 2027, bringing with it a significant pay rise and a steep release clause of €45 million.

This fee is now the highest release clause in Argentine football, making it a significant hurdle for any European club hoping to secure his services.

Real Madrid, among others, felt blindsided by this development, as earlier discussions with the player’s entourage had suggested a more affordable transfer would be possible.

For Real Madrid, such situations go against their principles. The club’s leadership, while committed to identifying and securing top talent, is not willing to engage in negotiations where they feel their name is being used to inflate a player’s value.

This sense of frustration reportedly led the club to walk away from the deal entirely.