Real Madrid ‘blacklist’ 17-year-old talent after feeling used and betrayed | OneFootball

Real Madrid have decided to completely walk away from any possible move for River Plate talent Franco Mastantuono.

While the 17-year-old Argentine midfielder had been on the club’s radar for quite some time, recent developments have led the Spanish giants to shut the door on the player for good.

According to a report from SPORT, Madrid feel they were taken advantage of by Mastantuono and his team.

The club had serious intentions of signing him last summer, but it now appears the player’s camp used their interest to negotiate a better deal with River Plate instead.

Why Real Madrid have lost interest

Last year, Mastantuono’s contract with River Plate had expired, and Real Madrid were quick to reach out to his representatives. Talks reportedly went well, and it looked like a move could happen.

But just when things seemed close, Mastantuono chose to renew his deal with River. The new contract came with a release clause of €45 million, significantly raising his price.

Real Madrid have ended pursuit of Franco Mastantuono. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

This turn of events left Real Madrid feeling disappointed. They believed the player’s agent, Augusto Fernandez, had deliberately mentioned Madrid’s name in talks just to increase the player’s value.

As a result, Madrid not only ended their pursuit, but they also added Mastantuono to a so-called “blacklist” for players they no longer consider signing.

A young talent now off Madrid’s radar

It is a surprising end to a deal that once looked promising. Mastantuono fit perfectly into Madrid’s usual transfer strategy: young, affordable, and with huge potential.

But with the €45 million clause now in place and the feeling of betrayal lingering, the club have made it clear they are not willing to go further.

For now, Mastantuono will continue at River Plate, where he is tied until 2026. But it seems his chance of wearing the white shirt of Madrid is over, at least under the current leadership.