A player from Chile tries to take the ball from an Argentine footballer during a soccer match while a referee watches the play, and in the lower left corner there is a box showing the coach of the Argentine national team.
Scaloni and Mastantuono | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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Scaloni's warning to Madrid ahead of Mastantuono's imminent signing: 'To be...

The Argentine coach has called for calm regarding Real Madrid's next signing: 'He has a great future, but he's 17 years old, and it's important to know that'

by

Alex Moreno

Franco Mastantuono's signing by Real Madrid is imminent. The agreement with River Plate is already closed. Only the official confirmation is missing, which is expected within hours.

The 17-year-old talent is about to make the leap to Europe. However, the first warnings are already coming from Argentina. Coach Lionel Scaloni has sent a direct message to the Madrid club.

"He is 17 years old, and it's important to know that"

Scaloni spoke about the future Madridist after his debut with Argentina's senior national team. He did so after the victory against Chile in the World Cup qualifiers.

"Mastantuono? Here in the national team, we've been trying to keep him calm these days", said the coach. He added:

"To be honest, we haven't talked much with him. I think he has a great future, but we have to handle him as we think we should. He is 17 years old, and it's important to know that".

An Argentine player moves forward with the ball while being held by a Chilean opponent during a soccer match, with other players watching the play in the background.
Mastantuono in his debut with Argentina | AFA

The message is clear: Mastantuono has talent, but he is still a teenager. The maturation process must be controlled. Scaloni wants to protect the player from media and sporting pressure.

His warning is not only for the Argentine press, but also for Real Madrid. The coach hopes the Spanish club will act with caution.

A precocious talent with everything ahead

Meanwhile, the details of the transfer are already defined. Real Madrid will pay 40 million euros, five less than the clause. River Plate accepted the reduction to keep the player until the 2025 Club World Cup, which will be held in July.

After that tournament, the midfielder will join the Madrid squad. The Spanish club thus secures one of South America's most promising gems.

Mastantuono has already made his mark at River. This season, he has 19 matches, 7 goals, and 4 assists. He has played 1,483 min., participating in a goal every 134 min.

Soccer player in a River Plate uniform making a gesture of doubt or confusion on the field.
Mastantuono celebrating a goal with River Plate | Real Madrid Confidencial

In total, with River's first team he already has 61 matches, with 10 goals and 7 assists.

His performance has even earned him a debut with Argentina's senior national team, coming on in the 84th minute against Chile. This milestone confirms his progression, but also reinforces Scaloni's message: at 17 years old, care and patience will be key.

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