South American prodigy will not join Real Madrid right now if deal is secured – report | OneFootball

After it appeared like Franco Mastantuono will be headed for PSG, Real Madrid have made late moves to try and secure the River Plate youngster’s signing.

Just 17 years old, the attacking midfielder is considered one of the most exciting young talents in South America and has been on Real Madrid’s radars for a while now.

Despite having previously cooled down their interest in him, Los Blancos are now accelerating efforts to sign the youngster at the earliest possible, with club representatives already in Argentina, prompting him to pause the PSG operation.

Mastantuono will not arrive immediately

Now, according to journalist Melchor Ruiz of COPE, even if Real Madrid secure a deal for Mastantuono, his arrival is unlikely to happen right away.

Indeed, the plan is for the youngster to join the Merengues at a later date – likely in the winter transfer window next year.

Might not arrive at Real Madrid right away. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)

Mastantuono has a contract with River Plate until the end of 2026 and he intends to play for his boyhood club at the FIFA Club World Cup this month – a tournament in which Real Madrid will also be involved.

Furthermore, the teenage prodigy is also interested in representing River Plate at the Copa Libertadores later this year.

As such, even if Real Madrid secure the deal for Mastantuono, it will not be for right now and the youngster would only arrive in the winter window of 2026.

The Merengues are involved in negotiations for the young attacking midfielder, whose contract also contains a €45 million release clause. River Plate want interested parties to meet that valuation to sign their prized asset.

What now remains to be seen is if Real Madrid plan on expediting Mastantuono’s arrival this summer itself, provided they reach an agreement for his signing.