Liverpool get UNEXPECTED boost from Real Madrid transfer agreement | OneFootball

Madrid choose Mastantuono over Mac Allister

The 17-year-old Argentine is now scheduled to depart River Plate in August once he turns 18 and join up with the Spanish capital side.

Mastantuono’s transfer comes as a blow to other suitors - including Liverpool and Real Madrid - but the deal may also come with one unexpected upshot for the Reds.

According to a new report in Defensa Central, ex-Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti did not want Mastantuono. He wanted to have Alexis Mac Allister instead.

“I want Mac Allister in the middle,” is reportedly the message Ancelotti sent to president Florentino Perez. Nonetheless, with Ancelotti and Madrid parting company before the FIFA Club World Cup, Mastantuono has come into the club.

© IMAGO - Alexis Mac Allister for Argentina

Liverpool asking €100m for Mac Allister

It’s been reported that Madrid did not want to pay the €100m being demanded by Liverpool for the 26-year-old - who is under contract at Anfield until 2028.

Mastantuono represents a cheaper option for Madrid, with a release clause reported at €45m. Madrid's usual transfer policy is to pay out for younger talents while acquiring players in their peak for free.

Madrid had been lingering in the background for around a year for the Argentina World Cup winner. But with the signing of teenage talent Mastantuono, murmurs of Alexis to Madrid can be put to bed for now.