Franco Mastantuono is steadily paving his way toward a move to Real Madrid, but his arrival won't take place before the end of the Club World Cup, which he is set to play with River Plate. As part of the ongoing talks between both clubs, the Argentine club has asked to keep the youngster until the conclusion of the FIFA-organized tournament.

Although the agreement between Mastantuono and Los Blancos is already complete on a personal level, the final piece of the puzzle lies in how and when Real Madrid will activate—or avoid triggering—his €45 million release clause. Both clubs are now working toward a mutual understanding that would allow Madrid to pay the sum in installments rather than a single payment.

Reports in Argentina suggest that River Plate is holding firm on receiving the full amount, possibly over six payments, and has shown no intention of reducing the figure. The player’s agent and Madrid’s lead scout, Juni Calafat, are currently en route to Madrid to finalize what may be the decisive stage of negotiations.

One key outcome of the talks held in Buenos Aires is that Mastantuono will only join Real Madrid after the Club World Cup, meaning he will not finish the 2025 season in a River Plate jersey. This aligns with a previous agreement between the player and River during his contract renewal last year.

Having already spoken directly with Xabi Alonso, Mastantuono is well aware of the role he would play in Madrid’s project. That conversation played a crucial part in his decision to join Real Madrid, with his arrival now expected in the final days of July, just in time for the start of the new season.

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