Real Madrid Confidencial Mastantuono's situation if River are eliminated from the World Cup in the group stage
Mastantuono is very close to joining the white team, but their elimination from the Club World Cup will not go as many had hoped
Franco Mastantuono's future at Real Madrid is practically set, but there is still a decisive stretch that will determine his joining schedule. The young Argentine talent will play in the Club World Cup with River Plate, and FIFA regulations prevent any team change during the competition, which will dictate the timing of his arrival in Valdebebas.
FIFA has already announced that the 32 participating teams must submit their final player lists before June 10. Each club can register between 26 and 35 footballers, with at least three goalkeepers. Once submitted and published, this list will be unchangeable, and no player can play in the tournament for more than one team, even if they're eliminated in the group stage.
This means that even if River Plate were eliminated in the first stage, Mastantuono couldn't play the competition with Real Madrid. The regulations are clear: between June 14 and July 13, players can't represent another club in this tournament. As a result, his debut as a Madridist will have to wait at least until the end of the Club World Cup and, therefore, preseason or even the start of the league.
Madrid, patient but expectant
Valdebebas is already prepared for this scenario and there is no concern. The priority is for Mastantuono to have a somewhat organic transition and then begin his adventure with the Merengues. The club knows his youth requires a specific plan and, for now, all parties agree that he should finish his international participation with River before wearing white.
The idea is for him to join Xabi's team dynamic as soon as possible, although it's not known if he'll go straight to the first team or to Castilla. In either case, the club's priority will be to finalize his signing with or without the Club World Cup in between.
River and FIFA will set the pace
The official schedule sets the timing and River Plate will have in their hands not only the player's performance in the tournament, but also the exact date of his move to European soccer. Although the deal with Real Madrid is practically closed, Mastantuono will remain a River player during the Club World Cup.
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