Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid miss out on South American wonderkid for Club World Cup
It has been made official that Real Madrid won’t sign Franco Mastantuono just yet, as the 17-year-old will travel to the United States with River Plate to take part in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Although the young Argentine has already secured his big move to Real Madrid, he will stay with his current club for the duration of the tournament before joining Los Blancos.
It is said that River Plate pushed hard to retain the talented playmaker for as long as possible. Their aim was to keep him until the end of the year, especially for the Copa Libertadores.
However, it now appears that Real Madrid will pay his €45 million release clause and bring him to Spain shortly after the tournament.
Despite this, the strong relationship between both clubs allowed for a temporary compromise, letting the 17-year-old remain available for one last major competition with his boyhood team.
Contract is ready
River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo has already named Mastantuono in the squad of 34 players heading to the United States for the FIFA Club World Cup.
📝✈️ Los elegidos por Marcelo Gallardo para viajar a Estados Unidos y representar a River en el primer @FIFACWC 🌎#FIFACWC | #RiverMundial 🤍❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/amEFmXiO2j
— River Plate (@RiverPlate) June 10, 2025
While he will be crucial for River in the short term, the long-term plan remains clear that Mastantuono is set to join Real Madrid in time to prepare for the 2025/26 season.
Sources in Spain suggest that Xabi Alonso sees the teenager as a player who can add quality and creativity to the midfield.
In line with Real Madrid’s current strategy to protect their young talents, Mastantuono will sign a contract that includes a staggering €1 billion release clause.
Mastantuono, who turns 18 this summer, is seen as one of the most promising young players in South American football.
Real Madrid’s decision to wait a little longer before bringing him over highlights their respect for River Plate’s wishes, but also signals just how much value they place on the teenager’s future.
His brief farewell in the Club World Cup will be closely watched before he begins his journey in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid spent the summer reinforcing the defence by bringing in the likes of Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konate.
However, despite bringing in three players for one area of the pitch, it still felt like they should have gone for at least one more central defender.
Los Blancos were linked with a number of centre-backs, but a move ultimately did not pan out, with Raul Asencio staying at the club.
Now, according to Graeme Bailey (h/t Defensa Central), Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
However, the Toffees have no desire to sell one of their key players and would demand €93 million before considering a transfer.
Everton put huge price on Branthwaite
That valuation represents the biggest obstacle for Madrid. Branthwaite is 24 and contracted to Everton until 2030 after renewing last summer.
He has had his own share of injury problems, but they seem to be behind him and he has started the new season in sensational fashion.
Madrid’s interest is not entirely new either. Carlo Ancelotti had previously wanted to sign him during his time as manager at the club.
Madrid do not need another guaranteed starter
The problem is where Branthwaite would fit into Madrid’s current planning.
With Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate already providing major options for the future, Madrid are looking more for a fourth centre-back to strengthen the rotation than another automatic starter.
Spending €93 million on that role would be extremely difficult to justify. There is also significant competition.
Manchester United, Manchester City and Atletico Madrid are all said to be interested in Branthwaite, should Everton reduce their asking price.
One to watch rather than a priority
Branthwaite certainly fits several characteristics Madrid usually appreciate when assessing long-term defensive targets: he is relatively young, already established in the Premier League and still has room to develop.
However, admiration only makes sense when the finances are viable. Madrid are right to monitor the situation, but that is where it should stop.
Unless Branthwaite’s asking price drops, Los Blancos would be better off pursuing other targets for the central defensive rotation.
It remains to be seen how the situation with the Englishman develops and whether Madrid make a concrete effort to sign him in the future.
