According to a report from SPORT, Real Madrid have decided not to pursue the signing of Franco Mastantuono anymore.
The 17-year-old midfielder from River Plate had caught the eye of Madrid’s scouts due to his impressive performances and potential to grow into a star player.
As a left-footed midfielder with a bright future, Mastantuono seemed like a good fit for Real Madrid’s long-term plans.
Initially, Real Madrid were keen on bringing him to the club. In fact, the club’s directors had been monitoring his progress and were interested in securing his services.
However, to protect their asset, River Plate quickly renewed his contract and set a €45 million release clause. Real Madrid understood and accepted this move but were concerned by the leaks about their interest in the player.
Why did Real Madrid back out?
According to reports, the negotiations between Real Madrid and River Plate were progressing well, with both sides hopeful of reaching an agreement. However, things took a turn when news of their interest in Mastantuono began to spread.
Florentino Perez, Real Madrid’s president, is known for his preference for conducting transfer dealings in private. When he learned that their interest in Mastantuono had been leaked, Perez decided to pull the plug on the deal.
The leaks not only exposed Madrid’s interest but also attracted attention from other top clubs like Barcelona, Manchester United, and Manchester City. With these clubs now in the race, Real Madrid chose to back out of the negotiations entirely.
This decision was made early in the summer, and since then, River Plate have attempted to reopen discussions with Madrid, but the Spanish giants have remained silent.
As a result, Mastantuono will have to find another club willing to meet his €45 million release clause. Real Madrid, meanwhile, continue their search for young talent to bolster their squad, having moved on from the possibility of signing Mastantuono.