Real Madrid intent on signing 16-year-old record-breaking Argentine wonderkid | OneFootball

Franco Mastantuono is, by far, one of world football’s highest-rated attacking midfield talents. The teenage sensation’s performances with River Plate have won recognition from far and wide and clubs across the globe are vying for his signing.

Real Madrid are no different and have been in the Argentine star’s pursuit for a long time. At one point, in fact, he was even seen as their priority for the upcoming summer transfer window.

As revealed earlier this month, however, Los Blancos are not alone in the race with even arch-rivals Barcelona looking to sign the young superstar.

Still breaking records

While clubs in Europe fight over his signing, Mastantuono continues to do what he does best – break records.

As revealed by MARCA, Real Madrid are intent on signing Mastantuono, with the club scouts convinced by his potential, which was evident this week when he broke several records.

Indeed, the 16-year-old phenom’s second-half cameo against Libertad last night was special in many ways.

For starters, Mastantuono became the youngest player in River Plate’s history to feature in a Copa Libertadores and the fourth youngest player to play in the competition at 16 years and 254 days.

The wonderkid not only made a 45-minute appearance but also scored the winning goal for River Plate on the night courtesy of a wonderful assist from Manuel Lanzini.

Mastantuono is breaking records this season. (Photo by Christian Alvarenga/Getty Images)

Needless to say, it does not require much more to see why Real Madrid see him as a player with great potential.

The release clause

While South American players under the age of 18 cannot make the move to Europe directly, Mastantuono’s case is unique as he is a community player and has a European passport.

The 16-year-old, thus, can be signed immediately and Real Madrid will have to act this summer if they wish to enjoy his magic.

The player’s contract with River Plate runs until the summer of 2026 but includes a hefty release clause of €45 million if a club is to sign him this summer.

Interestingly, that figure will rise to €50 million during the final ten days of the transfer window.