Ballon d'Or favourite Putellas set for Euros redemption

Why do none of Europe's top clubs want to sign Osimhen? 

When Kaka's AC Milan smashed Boca Juniors 

How Hampton usurped icon Earps to become Lionesses No.1

Chelsea spending big on Gittens & Pedro is smart business

Editors' Picks

'They are fed up' - Donovan says Canada frustrated with Marsch

Trent gets up and running as Madrid make CWC last eight

Ronaldo warned 2026 World Cup dream 'will end in tears'

World Cup 2026: Which players will make the Brazil squad?

Transfers LIVE: Juve offer Man Utd three players for Sancho

Juventus offer choice of THREE stars to Man Utd in Sancho swap

Ancelotti challenges Neymar to prove he can be 'important' to Brazil

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"matchScheduleId":"bltb15444520f7d565f","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>River Plate keen on having Mastantuono beyond Club World Cup</li><li>Want youngster to play in Copa Libertadores</li><li>Madrid have already triggered player's release clause</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Franco Mastantuono's Real Madrid arrival may be delayed for months as River Plate press wonderkid to stay despite €40m release clause agreement

FIFA Club World Cup

Real Madrid

Borussia Dortmund

Liga Profesional

River Plate

Club Atletico Platense

<p>Madrid have already reached an agreement to complete Mastantuono's signing in August, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/real-madrid-fail-franco-mastantuono-deal-done-club-world-cup-last-dance-river-plate/blt3644cbe70c77af79#cs5e0d8666c09bc1e0" target="_blank">after he features for River Plate in the Club World Cup</a>. However, River Plate are determined to keep hold of their most coveted talent until the end of the year, a recent report from <a href="https://as.com/futbol/primera/river-aprieta-a-mastantuono-n/" target="_blank"><em>AS</em></a><em> </em>claims.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/real-madrid-beat-psg-to-franco-mastantuono-transfer-as-eur40m-deal-agreed-with-river-plate-for-argentine-wonderkid/blt1ba51f2c781d0e88" target="_blank">Although Madrid have beaten Paris Saint-Germain to the signing of Mastantuono</a> and have also agreed to cover the taxes in addition to the player's €40 million (£34m/$45m) release clause, one key detail is yet to be sorted out. The relationship between both clubs is excellent, but River Plate president Jorge Brito is insistent on retaining the 17-year-old's services until the end of the year, while Madrid want to bring him to the Bernabeu in August. Brito is hopeful of lifting the Copa Libertadores trophy at the end of this year, and wants Mastantuono to star for the club in the tournament. Having already conveyed his intentions to the player's entourage and Real Madrid, Brito wants to fight to keep hold of his jewel despite knowing that it'll be a challenging task.</p><p>"If the player decides to leave, goes and executes the clause, there's not much we can do. We must respect the contract we have, defend the club's interests to the last cent, and try to retain the player as long as possible...," <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/river-plate-president-franco-mastantuono-sale-real-madrid-keep-argentine-wonderkid-transfer-agreement/blt3e60bd858471bdb2#cse59c1666a0605f7e" target="_blank">Brito told <em>ESPN</em> Argentina recently</a>, well aware that everything depens on the player's will.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>For now, all signs point towards Mastantuono becoming a Madrid player in August. The teenager acknowledges <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/xabi-alonso-phone-call-convinced-franco-mastantuono-snub-psg-move-real-madrid-sign/blt6abc11054dbedfe3" target="_blank">the efforts Los Blancos put</a> in helping him realise his dream of featuring in the famous white jersey. At the same time, he is also in love with the idea of bidding adieu to River Plate by helping them win the Copa Libertadores in November. As things stand, the decision of whether to join Madrid in August or continue with Los Millonarios until the end of the year rests completely on the Argentine international.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>It remains to be seen what happens with Mastantuono. He will feature in the Club World Cup with River Plate and could also meet his future employers in the knockout stages, should both sides make it far enough. </p>

WHAT NEXT?

Franco Mastantuono's Real Madrid arrival may be delayed for months as River Plate press wonderkid to stay despite €40m release clause agreement | Goal.com

River Plate are pushing to retain Franco Mastantuono until the end of the year, despite reaching an agreement over his transfer with Real Madrid.

Franco Mastantuono&apos;s Real Madrid arrival may be delayed for months as River Plate press wonderkid to stay despite €40m release clause agreement

Next matches