Real Madrid Secures Third Summer Star with Staggering €1 Billion Release Clause
According to recent reports, River Plate's teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono has inked a comprehensive contract with Real Madrid that includes an extraordinary €1 billion release clause.
The Spanish giants were hoping to acquire the 17-year-old before the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup but couldn't complete the transaction in time, meaning Mastantuono will remain with River Plate for now. The Argentine club is set to participate in the tournament, where the young talent will likely make his final appearances before departing.
According to Germán García Grova, Mastantuono has signed a deal lasting until 2031 with Madrid and successfully completed his medical examination. The transfer will cost Real Madrid €45 million ($52.1 million, £38.3 million) after activating his release clause, with the payment structured as three installments of €15m each.
The talented forward, who has netted seven goals in 2025 and recently made his debut for Argentina's senior national team this month, will join Madrid when he turns 18 on August 14. The youngster appears set for a long stay at the Santiago Bernabéu, with his contract containing a massive €1 billion (£852 million, $1.16 billion) release clause.
Europe's top clubs have long shown interest in Mastantuono, with several Premier League teams reportedly pursuing him in recent months. However, Madrid has successfully secured his signature, making him likely their third summer acquisition following Dean Huijsen and the recently announced Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Madrid supporters will be watching the young talent closely during the Club World Cup, where River Plate will compete against Inter Milan, Monterrey, and Urawa Red Diamonds in group stage matches. Their opening fixture is scheduled against Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday, June 17.
There's a strong possibility that Mastantuono could face his future employers in the tournament's knockout phase. If River Plate finishes second in Group E while Madrid tops their group, the two teams would meet in the quarterfinals.
READ THE LATEST REAL MADRID NEWS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND MORE
