Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Argentine sensation Franco Mastantuono this summer, IsaGoal can report.
According to Defensa Central, Alonso sees the 17-year-old winger as a transformative figure in Madrid’s rebuild — and even rates him higher than Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
Mastantuono will officially join Los Blancos in August once he turns 18, following a €63.2m deal struck with River Plate that includes taxes and AFA contributions.
The highly rated right-winger has been a standout talent in Argentina, and Alonso reportedly views him as “the missing piece” for Madrid’s attack after their brutal 4-0 loss to PSG at the Club World Cup.
Madrid’s summer business has already seen the arrivals of Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Alonso is said to be most excited about Mastantuono’s potential.
“Franco Mastantuono arrives as an improvement over Lamine Yamal,” Defensa Central reports, adding that his wage demands will be significantly lower than the Spanish star’s.
Lamine Yamal, 17, is widely considered one of football’s elite young players, having already lifted two LaLiga titles and played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.
Alonso’s belief in Mastantuono suggests that Real Madrid are preparing to elevate another South American prodigy into global stardom — in the same way they did with Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.
With Madrid looking to bounce back from a trophyless season, all eyes will be on how quickly the River Plate gem adapts to life at the Santiago Bernabéu.
This article was updated 2 months ago