‘I Have Concerns’ – Expert Compares New Real Madrid Signing Franco Mastantuono to Failed Galactico

South American football expert Tim Vickery has expressed his concerns about Franco Mastantuono’s move to Real Madrid. 

Real Madrid have signed 17-year-old midfield talent Mastantuono from River Plate for around £38 million.

The teenager is currently representing River Plate at the FIFA Club World Cup. He will move to Real Madrid after he turns 18 on August 14, 2025.

Over the last decade, Real Madrid have bet big on young prospects. Starting from Martin Odegaard in 2015 to Endrick in 2024, they have signed some of the most highly rated teenagers in the business.

🗣️ Franco Mastantuono: “I feel like l’m more of an attacker than a midfielder.

I play more on the right today, and I fulfill an attacking role. I like finishing chances.” @DAZNFootball pic.twitter.com/8tNaWabOXI

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 24, 2025

While Los Blancos have had success with the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, they have also suffered a few losses. After Reiner Jesus failed to impress, 2024 signing Endrick has also started losing prominence. Luckily, Endrick, lovingly nicknamed Bobby by his teammates, still has plenty of time to get his career back on track.

Tim Vickery Expresses Franco Mastantuono Concerns, Compares Him to Underwhelming Real Madrid Galactico

Argentina international Franco Mastantuono would hope to follow in the footsteps of Vinicius Junior and become an integral part of Real Madrid. However, Tim Vickery is not sure how his Madrid adventure would go.

Discussing his transfer to Real Madrid, Vickery noted the absence of pace in Mastantuono’s game. Although he likened him to the great Zinedine Zidane at first, it was for the wrong reason.

“I’ve watched him a lot since I was 16. I love watching him, his coolness in choosing plays, the quality with his left foot. But he’s a player. I have concerns because he’s not a sprinter, he’s not a Vini Jr,” Vickery told Sports Mole.

🚨 Franco Mastantuono: "Playing for Real Madrid is a DREAM for me.

It's the best club in the world. I'm so thankful to life itself for giving me this chance." pic.twitter.com/vMOPNRTRiV

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) June 24, 2025

“It reminds me a little bit – a little bit – of a left-footed Zidane. It took Zidane a while to become Zidane.”

Vickery then brought up the example of Colombian superstar James Rodriguez, who joined Madrid in 2014 after an unforgettable World Cup. Although he had his moments, Rodriguez’s Real Madrid career turned out to be underwhelming.

Vickery added:

“I have some concerns about him for the next European season. He reminds me of James Rodriguez when he went to Real Madrid. He was a great player, but he didn’t have enough speed to be the man for Real Madrid.”

Mastantuono primarily operates on the right side of the attack. With Arsenal urged to sign Rodrygo, Mastantuono could eventually become his replacement on the right.

James Rodriguez Could Not Thrive at the Santiago Bernabeu

In his debut 2014/15 season, James Rodriguez was one of Real Madrid’s best players. Featuring in 46 games across competitions, he scored 17 goals and provided 18 assists. He was sensational as a No. 10, but from the following season, Los Blancos opted for stability in midfield.

Eventually, Casemiro, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos became the undisputed midfield trio, helping the team win three Champions League trophies on the bounce. He got a few opportunities to play on the right wing, but the lack of pace kept him from becoming a starter.

😱 Regate y definición con el sello de James.@FCFSeleccionCol | #WorldCup #WCQ pic.twitter.com/7dVSTJL8Gh

— Mundial de Clubes FIFA 🏆 (@fifaworldcup_es) January 23, 2022

Surplus to requirements, Rodriguez left Los Merengues for Bayern Munich in 2017 (on loan) before joining Everton on a free in 2019. Rodriguez, who now plays for Leon, participated in 125 games for Real Madrid, scoring 37 goals and providing 42 assists.