Real Madrid signing Franco Mastantuono set to receive boost that Vinicius and Rodrygo did not get when they first arrived at club: Reports

Real Madrid youngster Franco Mastantuono has reportedly been earmarked for a starting berth at the club once he arrives, a rarity for a youngster at the club. The Argentine youngster is set to receive a perk that even the likes of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo did not receive when they joined the Spanish giants.

A report from AS (via Madrid Universal) has revealed that Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso is very convinced by the talent of Mastantuono and is set to make him a starter. The manager plans to give the 17-year-old a chance to prove his worth while Jude Bellingham continues to recover from shoulder surgery.

Los Blancos beat a host of other teams to sign Argentina international Mastantuono from River Plate after his stunning displays in his native Argentina. The youngster was coveted by most of Europe's elite before choosing to pitch his tent at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

Mastantuono has yet to team up with Alonso's side, who are due to convene for pre-season training on August 4th. The youngster will join them ten days later, on the day he turns 18, and will have four training sessions to earn a starting shirt for the start of the 2025-26 season.

Real Madrid's similar teenage recruits from South America, Endrick, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, did not get a chance to earn a starting shirt immediately after their transfers. Mastantuono has been training privately during his vacation after featuring in the FIFA Club World Cup last month, and is set to be in top condition once he arrives in Madrid.

Real Madrid youngster set to pick up iconic shirt number, leave previous number for new signing: Reports

Real Madrid starlet Endrick appears the likeliest recipient of the number 9 shirt at the club this summer, as per reports. The 19-year-old striker is set to remain at the club beyond this transfer window as he is out injured, at present.

A report from Diario AS (via Madrid Universal) has revealed that Endrick will likely receive the number vacated by Kylian Mbappe this summer. The Brazil international wore the number 16 shirt in his debut season, and the shirt will now go to Argentine phenom Franco Mastantuono.

Mastantuono will join Real Madrid in mid-August, having been signed from River Plate earlier in the summer. The young midfielder will compete with the likes of Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz for an attacking midfield role at the Santiago Bernabeu.

About the author

Sulayman is a European and international football writer at Sportskeeda covering news and transfer rumors. He has an overall experience of 4 years, having previously worked at the likes of SportsRation and ExtraTimeTalk. His tryst with the sport happened at a young age, playing it at home and watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Sulayman has a good feel for the game, which is reflected in his descriptive articles. He double checks information via multiple sources for accuracy, and only uses top-tier platforms like Transfermarkt and Opta for statistical information. His experience and exploits in the industry have led Sulayman to cover the Nigerian Professional League for three years along with games involving the Nigerian national team. He has also worked in F1, joining hands with industry veterans to provide a smooth viewing experience in Nigeria.

Sulayman hails Lionel Messi as the one true GOAT, and his brace in Argentina’s 2005 U20 FIFA World Cup final win over Nigeria left a lasting impact on him. He also supports Chelsea at club level, having followed their dominance under Jose Mourinho. Sulayman also follows other leagues with Nigerian players like Eredivisie, Saudi Pro League, Turkish Super Lig, and more. When not writing, he enjoys cooking and eating.

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Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen