It seems that the future of Franco Mastantuono has taken a major turn in the last few hours and Real Madrid could end up signing a player who has attracted interest from the biggest clubs in Europe. However, there is still uncertainty surrounding his transfer, namely whether he would be able to play in the Club World Cup with Los Blancos if a deal is finally agreed. FIFA regulations prevent underage players from changing continents before reaching the age of 18.
FIFA regulations and foreign players
FIFA regulations are very clear on this point. Underage players cannot sign for a club on another continent. This already happened with Endrick, when Real Madrid signed him before he turned 18, but had to leave him on loan in Brazil until he came of age.
The rule also applies to players from the same continent, but with one exception: they can change clubs if they are 16 or older.
Following FIFA rules, Mastantuono would not be able to play for a European club until he reaches the age of majority. That date is close, on August 14, so he could join Real Madrid, or any European club, at the start of the league championship, although he would not have time to do preseason training with his teammates, as it would coincide with the start of the domestic championship.
Mastantuono could play in the Club World Cup
However, Franco Mastantuono could play in the Club World Cup with any European club, including Real Madrid. The Argentine footballer has dual nationality, both Argentine and Italian. Therefore, he is free to play for any club on the continent from August 14, 2023.
Therefore, if Real Madrid decides to sign him before the start of the Club World Cup, they will be able to add him to their squad immediately and register him for the tournament.
Mastantuono will play in the Club World Cup
What is clear is that the player will definitely be in the United States for the event. River Plate is one of the teams that will compete in the tournament, so it will be a great opportunity to see him in action and get to know the Argentine gem better. This makes his short-term signing much more complicated. The Argentine club is not willing to let him go to strengthen a rival, and if it did, the financial demands would be absurd, approaching figures that few clubs would be willing to pay. For this reason, if Real Madrid wants to sign him, it will have to do so after the World Cup, an option that cannot be ruled out, given the player’s potential.
Therefore, Mastantuono, who has an Italian passport, could legally play for Real Madrid right now and be registered for the Club World Cup in the United States. As he has an Italian passport, he is eligible to play for a European club even though he is not yet of legal age. However, the deal seems very difficult as River Plate wants to keep the player for the Club World Cup and would demand a high transfer fee before the tournament.
Franco Mastantuono has burst onto the world soccer scene. After establishing himself in River’s midfield, he has already received his first call-up to the Argentine national team for this international window, where the Albiceleste will be playing for qualification for the 2026 World Cup. It seemed that his destination would be PSG, but in the last few hours, a turn of events has brought the player closer to Real Madrid.