with a pivotal intervention by incoming head coach Xabi Alonso reportedly tipping the scales in their favor. According to sources from Cadena SER and MARCA, a direct phone call from Alonso played a crucial role in persuading Mastantuono to choose the Spanish giants over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who were also in advanced talks to secure his services.
PSG had been close to completing a deal, fully prepared to activate the 16-year-old’s €45 million release clause. Their strategy included loaning him back to River Plate through December 2025, allowing him to continue developing in familiar surroundings.
However, Real Madrid re-entered the race around three weeks ago after sensing a shift in tone from Mastantuono’s camp. His representatives, during a recent trip to the Spanish capital, signaled a newfound willingness to engage with Los Blancos—prompting the club to intensify their efforts.
In response, Madrid’s influential chief scout, Juni Calafat, made a special trip to Buenos Aires. His mission was to personally negotiate and lock down the youngster’s commitment. This groundwork was solidified when Xabi Alonso, set to take over as Madrid manager, personally reached out to Mastantuono. That conversation is believed to have been the decisive moment, deeply influencing the player’s preference.
Now fully convinced, Mastantuono is reportedly fixated on joining Real Madrid and playing at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu. Madrid, in turn, are working behind the scenes to reduce the €45 million release fee, banking on the player’s clear desire to make the move as leverage in the negotiations.
The club’s goal is to wrap up the transfer before the FIFA Club World Cup kicks off on June 14, 2025, ensuring Mastantuono can be integrated smoothly into Xabi Alonso’s plans. He would join a fresh wave of signings, including Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, as part of Madrid’s next-generation squad
