European giants were hours away from sealing deal for teenage star before Real Madrid hijacked move: Reports

According to a report by Jorge C Picon via Madrid Universal, Real Madrid hijacked PSG’s move to sign River Plate talent Franco Mastantuono. The Argentine teenager was mere hours away from joining the newly minted European champions before Los Blancos swooped in and hijacked the deal.

Luis Enrique had reportedly convinced the 17-year-old of his place in PSG, and the Qatari-backed side had no problem meeting his $45 million release clause. However, following contact from Los Merengues, whom Mastantuono dreamed of representing, he opted to move to the Spanish capital instead of the French capital.

Mastantuono is tipped to have a bright future in the game after impressing for River Plate. The teenager has scored 10 times and provided seven assists in 61 appearances for the Argentine side. He will join Real Madrid in August after he turns 18 to strengthen Xabi Alonso's squad in their bid to reclaim the LaLiga crown in the coming campaign.

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Argentine talent spotter tips Franco Mastantuono to succeed at Real Madrid

Argentine talent spotter Daniel Brizuela has tipped Franco Mastantuono to succeed at Real Madrid. The Argentine scout is responsible for discovering some of the best hidden gems in the South American nation, with Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, and Rodrigo De Paul among the jewels he has unearthed.

In a recent discussion with El Larguero via Managing Madrid, Brizuela said of Mastantuono:

“He always liked being the conductor, ever since he was a little kid. He likes being the protagonist, and those challenges don’t weigh on him. When he made it to the first team, he took the reins and became a protagonist, despite River having three or four World Cup winners. Anyone who knows him knows he doesn’t shy away from those moments.”

The talent spotter praised the teenager and tipped him to succeed in the Spanish capital, saying:

“Franco has great talent, like all young players we discover, but in football that’s not enough. You need personality and character to bring that talent out. Franco has a very strong personality and it’s never weighed on him. I think he’s ready. He’s worked so hard because his dream has always been to play for Real Madrid. I’ve always said that based on his body type, play style, and technique—he has Real Madrid DNA.”

Brizuela concluded by praising the Argentine’s intelligence and ability to adapt, saying:

“His intelligence allows him to make great decisions in just seconds. He’s been doing that since I first saw him at nine or ten years old. He adapts—that’s one of his gifts. When I brought him in, he played on the left, but the coach put him inside. He’s played as a 10, now he’s on the right at River... the coach will be able to use him wherever he fits best.”

Mastantuono will join Real Madrid in August after he turns 18, where Xabi Alonso will hope to help him achieve his immense potential.