Franco Mastantuono is one of Real Madrid‘s star signings this summer. The young Argentine player arrives as a promising talent and, at just 17 years of age, will make the leap to European football from across the pond. The former River Plate player will follow in the footsteps of Di Stefano, but will not be able to train with the team until he comes of age on August 14, when he will officially become a player for the white team. Xabi Alonso has big plans for the player, who is expected to make an immediate impact in the starting eleven. At that time, his shirt number will also be made official, although the options are fairly clear.
The arrival of Mastantuono
When Franco Mastantuono’s signing was announced back in June, the club announced his arrival and the official start of his six-season contract on August 14, the day he turns 18. However, now the plans are different. The Argentine player is bringing forward his arrival at Real Madrid to get under Xabi Alonso’s orders as soon as possible. Specifically, he is expected to land in Madrid this weekend, but he will not join the group until the scheduled date. The plan is for him to follow a specific program set by the club, which he has already begun during his vacation, so that his integration into the group and adaptation period are as short as possible and he can offer almost immediate performance.
His place in Xabi Alonso’s starting eleven
Xabi Alonso has big plans for the player. A left-footed attacking midfielder who usually starts on the right wing, he is elegant and has a great shot. He has a maturity beyond his years and great vision. He thinks like a veteran, but he is fast and agile like the young gem that he is. A diamond in the rough in whom the club has placed a lot of trust, he is expected to get minutes from the start.
The player’s versatility points to three possible positions in the starting eleven. The first and most obvious is that he will be Plan A to cover the absence of Jude Bellingham for at least three months. He could also be the new Rodrygo on the right wing, as the idea is to offload the Brazilian and, if he stays, he is not in Xabi Alonso’s plans. The other possibility is that he will compete with Arda Güler to be the team’s brain and architect, or even see how they fit together on the pitch. Whatever position he plays, Xabi Alonso’s plans are to get the most out of the Argentine from day one.
The number he will wear on his shirt
With his arrival, the mystery of his shirt number will be cleared up. In an interview, the player said he would love to wear the number 10 chosen by Mbappé. “I’d like to, but if he takes it, he’s within his rights, he’s an idol.” Mbappé has left the number 9 free, which could be an option for the Argentine, although everything points to it going to Endrick. If the Brazilian takes the number 9, his number 16 will be available for the newcomer. Confirmation will come in two weeks during his official presentation.
Mastantuono’s salary at Real Madrid
His express signing for Real Madrid was completed for over €63 million, but his salary at the club will be somewhat more modest. The young Argentine footballer will receive an annual salary of €3.5 million net, according to Bloomberg Línea. This salary will place him on the club’s third salary tier, well below the €30 million that Mbappé is now demanding from Vinicius to renew his contract.