Photo by Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images
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.
A lot is left in Franco Mastantuono’s transfer. (Photo by Franklin Jacome/Getty Images)
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’s schedule to unveil Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen – report
Real Madrid fans won’t have to wait much longer to welcome their latest additions, Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, as, according to journalist Jose Luis Sanchez (h/t Madrid Xtra), the club is all set to unveil two of their newest signings this week.
These highly anticipated presentations will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Huijsen being introduced on Tuesday, June 10, and Alexander-Arnold following a day later on Wednesday, June 11.
Both deals mark a strong statement of intent from the club, as Real Madrid continue to strengthen key areas ahead of the new season.
Huijsen, the 20-year-old defender with immense potential, is joining from Bournemouth after Madrid decided to trigger his £50 million release clause. His arrival is expected to bring much-needed depth and youth to the centre-back position.
TAA deal comes with compensation for Liverpool
Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold will be unveiled this week. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Although Alexander-Arnold has joined Real Madrid as a free agent, the club has agreed to pay Liverpool a compensation fee of €10 million. This is because the Premier League club allowed the right-back to leave before the official expiry of his contract.
On top of that, Madrid also agreed to cover the 26-year-old’s salary for the month of June, ensuring a smooth early release.
Alexander-Arnold has signed a six-year contract that will keep him at Real Madrid until June 30, 2031.
The English international is expected to be available for the upcoming Club World Cup and will bring valuable experience and creativity to the right side of Madrid’s defence.
Both players are seen as long-term investments, and their arrivals have generated excitement among supporters and media alike.