Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Franco Mastantuono takes unexpected twist
River Plate are standing firm in their negotiations with Real Madrid over teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono.
As per Argentine outlet Diario Ole, the Buenos Aires-based club is making the Spanish giants’ pursuit far from straightforward.
Real Madrid are keen on bringing in the 17-year-old playmaker, but River Plate are refusing to negotiate on the terms of his release clause.
The clause itself is set at €45 million, but the total cost of the operation could rise significantly.
Due to national taxes (13%) and an additional 20% territorial charge, the fee could touch nearly €60 million, and that is before agent commissions and other administrative costs are even considered.
River Plate want clause paid in full
Madrid, as expected, are trying to soften the blow by proposing to pay the amount in instalments. However, River Plate are having none of it.
The club’s position is clear that if Mastantuono is to leave now, it must be through the activation of the full clause in one go.
In fact, according to Ole, River Plate are also looking to use Madrid’s reluctance to push their own agenda. Their aim is to keep the young midfielder until at least December, particularly with the Copa Libertadores campaign in full swing.
Transfer is far from done
Mastantuono is seen as a vital part of the squad, and letting him go before the competition’s decisive phase is not in their plans.
Madrid, on the other hand, still hope to convince River Plate to allow a delayed transfer, one that would see the player arrive in Spain at a later date in exchange for a more flexible payment structure or even a slight discount.
The coming weeks will be crucial. Both clubs are expected to continue negotiations, but a middle ground is yet to be found.
What is clear, however, is that Real Madrid want Mastantuono under Xabi Alonso’s guidance sooner rather than later.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho does not want Real Madrid new signing to be affected by price tag, will continue slow integration
Real Madrid had an explosive summer transfer window with as many as six new big signings coming through to strengthen the first-team squad, while Sergio Martinez was also roped in with an eye on the future.
Up until Friday, things were going well for Jose Mourinho & co., but the 1-0 loss to Real Betis has put the team under the scanner once again.
Questions are being asked, in particular, of the club’s most explosive signing, Yan Diomande.
Mourinho not changing plans with Diomande
However, according to journalist Alvaro Esteban, Mourinho will continue with the plan of integrating Diomande slowly into the team.
The Real Madrid boss does not want the 19-year-old winger to be negatively affected by his massive price tag this summer and the pressure generated because of it.
After all, Los Blancos shelled out an enormous €125 million plus €15 million in add-ons to sign Diomande from RB Leipzig.
Should all the variables be met, he will become the most expensive signing in Real Madrid history. And, naturally, such a price tag brings with it a great deal of pressure.
As such, Mourinho wants to make sure that the Ivory Coast international is not affected in any way by the talk around his price tag and will continue to ease him into the team without rushing things.
Only a handful of minutes for Diomande
So far, Real Madrid have played four La Liga games this season and Diomande has not started even one of them.
Instead, Mourinho has opted to field Arda Guler on the right wing in three matches while Brahim Diaz started in the remaining one.
As for Diomande, he has come on as a substitute in each of the four games, but has only racked up a total of 83 minutes, without scoring or assisting a goal so far.
But, his limited minutes and slow integration are seemingly a part of Mourinho’s plans who is intent on not overexposing the teenage winger and put him under undue pressure due to the expectations that come with his price tag.
