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New signing reveals Xabi Alonso’s influence in his move to Real Madrid

Real Madrid are embarking on a new journey under Xabi Alonso with the start of the 2025/26 campaign, and though the era had already started in the Club World Cup, he will be judged on his exploits in the new season. 

Los Blancos have shown good intent in the transfer window this summer as they have improved their defense with the signings of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras. 

However, the only attack-minded player that they signed this summer was Franco Mastantuono from River Plate, who officially joined Real Madrid on Thursday. 

The young Argentine was unveiled at the club’s training ground in Valdebebas incidentally on his 18th birthday. 

The young winger also addressed the media where he gave full credit to Alonso for convincing him to move to Real Madrid. Los Blancos were in a tussle with PSG for the teenager’s signature. 

“[Coach Alonso] contacted me. It was very important for me that the coach showed that confidence in me,” Mastantuono told a news conference.

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“Obviously it was a private conversation, but it influenced me a lot. It gave me a lot of confidence, and the way he did it, it meant a lot.”

What does Mastantuono offers to this Real Madrid roster?

Real Madrid Florentino Perez has hailed the teenager as one of the biggest talents to emerge in football in recent years. Perez compared him with Argentine legend Alfredo Di Stefano, who also played for River Plate and Real Madrid. 

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Honestly, it remains to be seen if Mastantuono lives up to the hype but he is truly an exceptional talent and hence he became the youngest player to make a debut for Argentina national team. 

The Argentine winger, who can also play in a central role impressed the scouts with his technical ability, vision, composure, close control and his expertise with set-pieces. 

He is still a player who is learning the ropes and already he had caught the eyes of the Real Madrid hierarchy, who believe that he can be the main man for Los Blancos in the upcoming years. 

“Today is a very special day for me. A dream has come true, joining Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world,” he told reporters. “I still have a lot to learn, but I promise I will give everything for this shirt.”

The 18-year-old versatile winger has signed a six-year contract with Los Blancos following his €63.2m ($73.5) move from River Plate, making this the most expensive transfer for an Argentine.

Mastantuono has a big challenge ahead of him as he needs to adapt to new surroundings in the Spanish capital. 

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