PSG were a ‘matter of hours’ away from signing teenage prodigy before Real Madrid struck | OneFootball

Following the disappointment of not winning any major trophy this season, Real Madrid came out all guns blazing in the summer transfer market.

Deals for Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold were quickly secured while the Merengues soon began to work on the signing of left-back Alvaro Carreras from SL Benfica.

Meanwhile, one of the players that they had admired for a while now – Franco Mastantuono – appeared to be slipping away with PSG positioning themselves to sign the 17-year-old River Plate gem.

However, Real Madrid acted swiftly and have now secured the signing of the young attacking midfielder, who will be joining the club in August.

PSG were inches away from the deal

Now, journalist Jorge C Picon has provided some additional details about the Mastantuono operation and how Real Madrid hijacked PSG’s operation.

As per the report, the new European champions were only a ‘matter of hours’ away from closing the Argentine wonderkid’s signing from River Plate.

Mastantuono snubbed PSG for Madrid. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

PSG manager Luis Enrique had spoken to the youngster and the club had him convinced about the transfer to the French capital.

Everything appeared to be in place for Les Parisiens to close the deal, with them having no issues about paying the youngster’s $45 million release clause either.

However, Real Madrid came along and completely changed the game. Mastantuono’s priority and dream had always been signing for the Merengues.

And, as soon as they made him aware of their interest in pursuing a deal, the youngster halted the PSG operation. Soon, an agreement was reached between all parties involved and Real Madrid will see Mastantuono arrive at the club in August, soon after he turns 18.

In fact, if some reports are to go by, the teenage prodigy will have a starting role in Xabi Alonso’s new project at the Santiago Bernabeu in the upcoming season.