The Xabi Alonso Factor: How a Phone Call Convinced Franco Mastantuono to Choose Real Madrid Over PSG

Real Madrid’s newest star reveals the pivotal moment that sealed his €45 million move from River Plate

The football world has been buzzing with excitement following Franco Mastantuono’s official presentation as a Real Madrid player on Thursday, August 14th – coincidentally, his 18th birthday. The Argentine wonderkid’s journey to the Santiago Bernabéu is a fascinating tale of ambition, persuasion, and the power of personal connection in modern football transfers.

The Battle for Argentina’s Crown Jewel

Franco Mastantuono didn’t just arrive at Real Madrid unopposed. The talented winger was courted by several top European clubs, most notably Paris Saint-Germain, who were prepared to trigger his release clause. PSG was willing to trigger River Plate’s €41 million release clause for Franco Mastantuono but Real Madrid have managed to seal the deal spending just €45 million in all.

What makes this transfer particularly intriguing is how it unfolded behind the scenes, with some of football’s most respected figures personally reaching out to convince the teenage sensation.

Luis Enrique’s Respectful Approach

During his presentation, Mastantuono was gracious in acknowledging the attention he received from other clubs. “I’ve spoken to Luis Enrique and I thank him for taking the time,” the 18-year-old revealed, showing maturity beyond his years in recognizing the PSG manager’s efforts.

The fact that Luis Enrique, a Champions League-winning coach and former Barcelona legend, took time to personally speak with Mastantuono demonstrates just how highly rated the young Argentine is in European football circles. However, it was another phone call that would prove decisive in shaping his future.

The Xabi Alonso Connection: The Game-Changer

The turning point in Mastantuono’s decision came through an unexpected source – a phone call from Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid’s new head coach. “Then Xabi Alonso called me and it was very convincing, I loved that,” Mastantuono explained, his excitement palpable even in recounting the conversation.

The teenager revealed it was a phone call from manager Xabi Alonso that convinced him to join Los Blancos. This personal touch from the former Spain and Liverpool midfielder clearly resonated with the young player, highlighting Alonso’s ability to connect with talent and his hands-on approach to building his squad.

Who is Franco Mastantuono?

To understand why Europe’s elite were so keen on securing Mastantuono’s signature, it’s essential to look at his remarkable profile. Born on August 14, 2007, in Azul, Argentina, Mastantuono is a right winger with a current market value of €30 million.

The 17-year-old midfielder, who has come from River Plate, is the youngest ever to make his debut for Argentina in an official match. This historic achievement speaks volumes about his precocious talent and the faith Argentina’s coaching staff has in his abilities.

Franco Mastantuono is the new wunderkind at River Plate in Argentina. The 17-year-old’s style and player profile have generated a lot of hype, and his unique abilities stand out in a football world filled with cookie-cutter players who repeat the same moves over and over.

River Plate’s Latest Graduate

River Plate are among the biggest and most successful clubs in South America, so they have unsurprisingly seen a good few world-beating talents come through their academy. Mastantuono represents the latest in a proud tradition of River Plate graduates making their mark in European football.

In August 2023, he signed his first contract with the club – a two-year deal with a €30 million release clause. The following month, he was called up to first-team training by manager Martín Demichelis for the first time.

The Perfect Birthday Present

Franco Mastantuono is now officially a Real Madrid player. On Thursday, August 14, the Argentine turned 18 and can now say he is a member of the Merengue. Madrid beat the likes of European champions PSG to the River Plate forward signature in June, but the starlet – who the youngest player to play a competitive match for Argentina – had to wait until he turned 18 before he could officially join the LaLiga club.

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, with Mastantuono celebrating both his 18th birthday and his official unveiling as a Real Madrid player on the same day.

Looking Ahead: The Alonso Era

With Xabi Alonso now at the helm of Real Madrid, the Spanish giants are entering a new chapter. The Basque coach’s ability to personally convince Mastantuono to choose Madrid over PSG demonstrates his commitment to building relationships with his players from the very beginning.

“Looking ahead, the 18-year-old expressed his excitement to begin training under Alonso and integrate into a squad brimming with ambition,” as reported during his presentation. The young Argentine will now have the opportunity to develop under one of the most promising coaches in world football.

The Transfer Details

Mastantuono has penned six-year contract at the Bernabeu after the Spanish giants agreed to meet the player’s €45m release clause. This represents a significant investment in youth, showcasing Real Madrid’s commitment to securing the future stars of football.

Conclusion: A New Star is Born

Franco Mastantuono’s journey from River Plate’s academy to Real Madrid’s first team represents everything beautiful about football – talent recognized, nurtured, and given the platform to flourish on the world’s biggest stage. The role that Xabi Alonso played in convincing him to choose Madrid over other suitors speaks to the human element that still exists in modern football transfers.

As Mastantuono begins his Real Madrid journey, fans will be eager to see how this Argentine prodigy adapts to the tactical demands and intensity of European football. If his mature handling of this transfer saga is any indication, Real Madrid may have secured not just a talented player, but a future leader for years to come.

The phone call that changed everything has now led to what promises to be one of the most exciting developments in Real Madrid’s ongoing evolution under Xabi Alonso. For Franco Mastantuono, the dream has become reality – and it all started with a conversation.