Soccer-Mastantuono's move to Real Madrid was premature, says River boss Gallardo

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - River Plate Training - Sounders FC Clubhouse and Training Facility, Renton, Washington, U.S. - June 16, 2025, River Plate's Franco Mastantuono during training REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian/File Photo

(Reuters) -Franco Mastantuono's transfer to Real Madrid came too soon, while the 17-year-old was still developing and pivotal to River Plate's future, said coach Marcelo Gallardo ahead of the Argentine team's Club World Cup match against Monterrey.

Gallardo acknowledged Mastantuono's departure will leave a void in his squad after the Spanish giants completed a deal worth around $45 million with River for the teenager earlier this month.