How Real Madrid convinced Franco Mastantuono and River Plate to reject PSG | OneFootball

Franco Mastantuono has quickly become one of the most talked-about young footballers in the world.

The 17-year-old River Plate talent has impressed many with his maturity and ability on the ball and while Paris Saint-Germain were seen as front-runners in the race to sign him, Real Madrid have now jumped ahead and are set to win the battle.

But how did the Spanish giants manage to pull it off, especially with PSG willing to pay his release clause?

Let’s take a closer look at the key reasons behind this high-profile transfer swing.

The Real Madrid dream

Real Madrid had been monitoring Mastantuono for more than two years. They were quietly planning the move, keeping close contact with the player’s camp and making sure not to rush.

But the moment PSG entered the picture, things started to heat up. The French champions were serious. They not only wanted the player, they were ready to trigger his release clause of around €48.2 million, including taxes.

Still, something shifted. According to sources close to the player, Mastantuono had always dreamed of wearing the Real Madrid shirt.

That emotional connection was key. Even when PSG manager Luis Enrique personally called the youngster to convince him, it was not enough to sway him. In fact, it was that phone call that forced Real Madrid to step up their game.

Soon after, the club sent top scout Juni Calafat to Argentina and made it clear that they were not going to let this one slip.

Franco Mastantuono is set to join Real Madrid. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)

River Plate were contacted again, and Xabi Alonso backed the move. The message to the player and his family was clear that Real Madrid were fully committed.

But more than anything else, Mastantuono and his family value life in Spain. Madrid offers a lifestyle, language, and culture that suits them far more than Paris.

The player himself decided to pause talks with PSG and focus on joining the Spanish club. It was not just about football. It was about where he wanted to grow.

Timing and patience the key

While the emotional factor was certainly in place, the deal was not done just yet, as PSG were ready to pay the full clause without hesitation.

That is something Real Madrid do not usually do. They prefer to negotiate, build relationships, and find agreements that work for all sides. That is what they are doing now with River Plate.

The Argentine club made it clear early on that they want to keep Mastantuono until the end of the year. They aim to let him play in the Club World Cup and the Copa Libertadores.

Real Madrid are open to that. They know rushing things is not always smart. Instead, they are working on a structured deal by paying close attention to deadlines, payments, and timing.

River Plate, in return, understand that Real Madrid have a long-term plan for the player. They are not buying him just for the hype. They see him as part of their next generation of stars. That trust and patience have helped build a positive atmosphere between the two clubs.