Real Madrid has closed a strategic signing, for the present, but especially for the future. We're talking about Franco Mastantuono, the new star from Argentina, who will leave River Plate this summer to head to Santiago Bernabéu. In the coming weeks, he will turn 18 years old and, once the Club World Cup is over, he will officially put on the white jersey.
Mastantuono was really close to wearing PSG's jersey, but Madrid got involved in the deal at the last moment. The Argentine had no doubts, choosing his dream of playing at Bernabéu. He spoke on "El Chiringuito" about this signing, Jorge D'Alessandro, a contributor who has always chosen to side more with Barça... Except now.
"Franco Mastantuono is better than Lamine Yamal"
Speaking about Franco Mastantuono's arrival at Real Madrid, D'Alessandro caused a surprise on the set of "El Chiringuito." He didn't hold back, making it very clear that "he's better than Lamine Yamal."
"He's better than Lamine Yamal. The problem is that we still don't know what Mastantuono is going to be. Because he has the possibility of being a trequartista, he can play in midfield... He has such great wealth, that's why I want him to urgently come to Madrid: he needs to be educated," said Jorge D'Alessandro.
In his opinion, Franco Mastantuono plays with something in his favor: he can play in several positions at a high level. He's a footballer who still needs to be developed and shaped, landing in the best possible place for that. Xabi Alonso has a diamond in the rough in his hands.
Franco Mastantuono: details of his arrival at Real Madrid
After several days of negotiations, a definitive agreement has been reached with River Plate for the Argentine talent. The transfer has been closed for an amount close to €45 million, the price set by his release clause.
The Argentine has agreed to commit to a contract until 2031, for the next six seasons, securing his future at Santiago Bernabéu.
Franco Mastantuono will start with a salary in the mid-lower range of the wage scale, according to Madrid-Barcelona. This will increase year after year, coinciding with his logical improvement as he gets older. In addition, there will also be some individual performance bonuses, as well as a small signing bonus.
Real Madrid has secured a diamond in the rough with Franco Mastantuono. To the point that a well-known Barcelona supporter like Jorge D'Alessandro is clear about it: "He's better than Lamine Yamal".