In the summer of 2025, Franco Mastantuono made headlines as the most expensive transfer in Argentine football history, with Real Madrid acquiring him for a staggering €45 million. This deal eclipsed previous records, including the €28 million spent by Barcelona on Javier Saviola in 2001 and Benfica’s €32 million investment in Enzo Fernández in 2022. However, the transfer has not been well-received by River Plate’s management, who feel they were left vulnerable in negotiations.
River Plate’s president, Stefano di Carlo, expressed his disappointment over the loss of the 18-year-old talent, stating, “We always said we wouldn’t sell him, and yet we did not have a choice; Real Madrid activated his release clause.” Di Carlo reflected on how the signing was initially seen as a triumph for the club two years ago, but has ultimately turned into a setback due to Mastantuono’s early departure. “With the €45 million from Mastantuono, we are far from covering our losses,” he lamented.
New Measures for Future Transfers
In light of this situation, River Plate is taking proactive steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The club has introduced a new transfer clause set at €100 million for its promising forward Juan Bautista Dadín, who is just 19 years old. This significant increase aims to protect young talents from being poached by European clubs that have been increasingly active in the Argentine market.
Di Carlo elaborated on this strategy: “This clause is designed to eliminate any unilateral decisions regarding contract terminations. With a figure like €100 million, any interested party will need to sit down and negotiate with us.” This move reflects River Plate’s commitment to safeguarding its future stars and maintaining competitive integrity within the Argentine league.
Impact on Argentine Football
The implications of European clubs aggressively recruiting South American talent are profound. Di Carlo noted how this trend disrupts the local competition: “The European transfer window operates during a period that puts us at a disadvantage. They recruit players to strengthen their squads while our own rosters are weakened.” This sentiment resonates with many in Argentine football, as clubs struggle to retain their best players amid rising financial temptations from abroad.
As River Plate implements these protective measures, several players within their ranks are now subject to this new “anti-Mastantuono” clause. The club hopes this initiative will not only deter foreign interest but also foster a more stable environment for player development.
The situation surrounding Franco Mastantuono serves as a wake-up call for River Plate and other Argentine teams. As they navigate an increasingly competitive landscape, the need for robust contractual protections has never been more critical. Will these new measures be enough to hold onto their brightest stars? Only time will tell.
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