River Loses Its Rising Star Before the Project Even Begins

River Plate has just lost more than a promising youngster. As reported by TyC Sports, the club finalized the transfer of Franco Mastantuono to Real Madrid in a deal worth around €60 million gross. It will be the most expensive sale ever of a player developed in Argentina, yet the record fee does little to soften the blow.

At just 17, Mastantuono had already carved out a place in River’s first team. A left-footed attacking midfielder with vision and poise, he had played 60 matches, but represented much more: the hope of a squad rebuilt through homegrown talent. His presence pointed to a future River wanted to believe in — and that future is now slipping away.

The club had hoped to keep him until December, counting on him for the Copa Libertadores campaign. But Madrid is set to trigger his release clause in August, the day he turns 18. Mastantuono will still feature for River in the Club World Cup, but then he'll head to Europe to sign a long-term contract through 2031.

Yes, the deal brings in substantial funds. But it also leaves behind a familiar dilemma: River continues to develop and export talent, yet struggles to reap the benefits on the pitch. This transfer is an economic triumph and, at the same time, a sporting setback. Once again, the club must face the question: how do you build continuity when your cornerstone leaves before it can take root?