Xabi Alonso Wins Transfer Race for River Plate Star Over Liverpool | OneFootball

Madrid Beat Liverpool to Franco Mastantuono in a Battle of Giants

Slot’s Rebuild Hits a Bump

Arne Slot’s debut season in charge at Anfield ended with the ultimate prize: Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions. It was a year of resurgence, intensity and belief. But not even domestic glory can win every war. According to a report from Team Talk, Real Madrid have landed River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, beating out Liverpool and other Premier League giants in what is being dubbed one of the most fiercely contested transfer battles of 2025.

Madrid, who failed to win La Liga, the Champions League or the Copa del Rey last season, are now reshaping under new leadership. Carlo Ancelotti’s reign is over, and the arrival of former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has injected renewed energy into the Bernabéu. And Alonso, it seems, has already struck a blow against his former club.

Mastantuono’s Decision Speaks Volumes

“‘Mastantuono has agreed his deal with Real Madrid and is likely to join them in August when he turns 18,’” TBR revealed. The 17-year-old is viewed as one of South America’s brightest prospects and his signature has sparked interest across Europe. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle all joined Liverpool in attempting to lure the teenager. But, as the report notes, “‘he opted for Real Madrid, who were long-term favourites for the attacking midfielder.’”

This is not just a win for Madrid in footballing terms, but also in symbolism. Beating Premier League champions to a generational Argentine talent reinforces their pull, their mystique and the persuasive powers of Alonso.

Liverpool, reportedly aggressive in their pursuit, now face the uncomfortable truth that prestige and opportunity aren’t always enough. Not even when you are Premier League champions. According to TBR, “Liverpool also tried to convince

Photo: IMAGO

– who was described as ‘an incredible player’ and ‘a star’ by Chelsea and Argentina international midfielder Enzo Fernandez on ESPN Argentina in April 2025 – but the 17-year-old has made up his mind to move to Madrid.”

What Makes Mastantuono Special

A product of River Plate’s fabled academy, Franco Mastantuono has already made 61 first-team appearances, scoring 10 goals and registering seven assists. He has also made his senior debut for Argentina. The boy’s talent is not just potential, it’s proven.

Former Argentina international Matias Almeyda was unreserved in his praise. “Another Maradona or another Messi will unlikely emerge, but another player will come… and his name is Franco Mastantuono.” That kind of comment echoes around boardrooms and training grounds across Europe. Mastantuono is not a promise, he’s a prediction.

River boss Marcelo Gallardo struck a more grounded tone: “What we have to do is support him; he’s a kid who has his feet on the ground, but it’s not a bad idea to support him and make him feel like he has to keep growing.”

Madrid clearly believe they can provide that environment. And now, with the teenager expected to join upon turning 18 in August, they may have secured the future heartbeat of their midfield.

Transfer Tensions Between Madrid and Liverpool

Tensions between Madrid and Liverpool on the transfer front are growing. Trent Alexander-Arnold has already made the move to Spain, and the Spanish giants are also reportedly interested in Ibrahima Konaté and Alexis Mac Allister. Slot’s title-winning side is now a target, with Madrid’s financial muscle and Alonso’s connections offering them a potent recruitment package.

Mastantuono’s decision is more than just one transfer. It signals the rebirth of a traditional European power and highlights the scale of the challenge facing Arne Slot. Winning the league is one thing. Keeping hold of talent and landing future stars is another entirely.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

You cannot help but feel a little gutted. Liverpool, fresh off a stunning league title under Arne Slot, should have been the ideal destination for a young, attacking midfielder like Franco Mastantuono. Yet here we are, watching him slip through our fingers and head to Madrid. It hurts more knowing that Madrid have already pinched Trent and now have their sights on more of our players.

This isn’t just about one missed signing. It’s a wake-up call. The club has to be quicker, more aggressive and maybe even more persuasive when it comes to these next-gen stars. Yes, Mastantuono has been described as “an incredible player” and maybe Madrid’s long-term plan sold him a dream, but Liverpool had the project, the recent success and a manager keen on building something new.

The idea that we might see Konaté or Mac Allister next on Alonso’s wishlist is concerning. Liverpool need to protect what they’ve built and stay ambitious in the market. Missing out on a prodigious talent like this should sting, and it must serve as motivation.