Man Utd blow as Argentina's star performer this season opts for Real Madrid

River Plate’s teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono is on the verge of joining Real Madrid, following a series of decisive meetings between the player’s representatives and the Spanish giants.

The 17-year-old midfielder, who has already made his mark on River Plate with 61 appearances, is currently training with the Argentine national team and rubbing shoulders with Lionel Messi at the AFA training ground in Ezeiza.

Manchester United had hoped to sign the youngster but it is understood his preference was to join Real Madrid and a call from their coach Xabi Alonso convinced him.

The transfer saga took a major step forward after a pivotal meeting in Buenos Aires between Mastantuono’s agents and Real Madrid’s top scouts, including Juni Calafat—the club’s chief scout who first identified Mastantuono’s potential over a year ago.

What’s more, Real Madrid’s new head coach, Xabi Alonso, personally called the young star to persuade him to join the club, reported TYC Sports.

These developments have all but confirmed that Mastantuono will leave River Plate before the Copa Libertadores round of 16, with his move to Madrid expected to be finalized after the Club World Cup.

Real Madrid are determined to secure Mastantuono ahead of other European heavyweights. Paris Saint-Germain, fresh from their Champions League triumph, have also shown strong interest, with manager Luis Enrique reportedly speaking directly to the player.

However, Madrid are eager to block any rival offers and are committed to making Mastantuono their own for the upcoming season.

The final details of the transfer are still being ironed out. Real Madrid could trigger Mastantuono’s €45 million release clause, negotiate a deal with River Plate that includes bonuses, or agree to a post-Club World Cup move—the latter being the most likely scenario at this stage.

Despite River Plate president Jorge Brito’s close relationship with Real Madrid’s Florentino Pérez, the club is under no illusions: with a release clause of this magnitude and the player’s clear desire to move, there is little River can do to keep him.

At just 17, Mastantuono is already preparing to say goodbye to River Plate. Even when approached by Olympique de Marseille and Manchester United, the young star made it clear he was waiting for a call from the Santiago Bernabéu.

That call finally came—and it was from Xabi Alonso himself. With everything pointing to a blockbuster move, Mastantuono’s future looks set to be in the famous white of Real Madrid.