Xabi Alonso a big admirer of Real Madrid wonderkid, has specific plan in mind for him | OneFootball

Franco Mastantuono became the third signing of the summer for Real Madrid, with the teenage sensation joining the club from Argentine giants River Plate.

The 17-year-old wonderkid will be arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu in August as he is currently representing his boyhood club at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Real Madrid are shelling out a sum over €60 million for Mastantuono, including variables and taxes, indicating the faith they have in the Argentine prodigy’s potential.

Xabi Alonso a big fan

Now, according to The Athletic, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is a huge admirer of Mastantuono and played a part in negotiations to bring the Argentine gem to the club.

Even though the 17-year-old attacking midfielder will need time to adjust to his new surroundings and a completely new style of play, Alonso wants the player to have an important role from the get-go.

Alonso wants Mastantuono to have a big role at Real Madrid. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

The Real Madrid head coach plans to utilise Mastantuono on the right wing while giving him the freedom to operate more centrally as a No. 10 during games.

This comes amidst question marks over the future of Rodrygo Goes, who has been the regular starter on the right wing for Real Madrid in recent seasons.

Moreover, with Mastantuono’s emergence as an option for the right flank, Arda Guler will move into the midfield department for good where the team can get the best out of his creativity and playmaking abilities.

Considered one of the most exciting young talents coming through in South America, it will be interesting to see how Mastantuono fares once he arrives at Real Madrid.