End of the saga: Franco Mastantuono is a new Real Madrid player

Franco Mastantuono, only 17 years old, will officially become a Real Madrid player once River finishes its participation in the Club World Cup. Los Merengues  will trigger the release clause of the talented left-footer from Azul, set at 45 million euros, and his presentation as a new signing is scheduled for August 15, just one day after he turns 18, since FIFA regulations prohibit international transfers of minors except in exceptional cases.

Despite the efforts of Muñeco Gallardo and River's management, the native of Azul won't be available for the second part of the Libertadores. The Madrid side decided to pay the full amount of the clause, which will reach 60 million euros, a figure that includes the 13% corresponding to taxes in Argentina and an additional 20% for territoriality, a tax that Spain applies to transfers of footballers coming from Argentina and Brazil.

Upon his arrival in the Spanish capital, Xabi Alonso will be waiting for him with the intention that he controls the team's tempo from midfield, with the profile of a classic number 10. With his arrival, everything indicates that Nico Paz will be loaned out again, while Florentino Pérez is excited about adding to his squad a player with enormous potential, mature for his age, and with a profile fully aligned with Real Madrid's identity.

The young prospect's farewell in River's jersey will take place at the Club World Cup. If El Millonario doesn't advance past the group stage, the youngster's last match will be on Wednesday, June 25, against Inter Milan and Lautaro Martínez.

As an additional fact, Mastantuono will be the fifth Argentine footballer to move directly from River to Real Madrid, after Eduardo Anzarda, Pinino Mas, Esteban Cambiasso, and Gonzalo Higuaín.