Florentino Pérez signs River Plate's new gem for free: 'he's better than...'

Florentino Pérez remains determined to build a legendary Real Madrid. The club president has been working for months alongside Xabi Alonso to form a balanced, deep squad with top-level alternatives. His goal is clear: to return the club to the top of European soccer and establish a base of young talent that will secure the future for the next decade.

Last summer, Florentino met almost all his coach's requests. The arrivals of Huijsen, Carreras, Trent, and Franco Mastantuono replied to the desire to strengthen each line with players of potential and personality. However, the Madrid president isn't satisfied and is already working on new moves to keep strengthening the project.

From his privileged position in the Bernabéu box, Florentino Pérez has identified an obvious shortcoming in the squad. Real Madrid dominate physically, in intensity, and in pressing, but they lack a footballer who brings creativity, composure, and clarity in ball circulation. Neither Tchouaméni, Camavinga, nor Valverde fit that profile; only Ceballos, who has missed several matches due to injury, could fulfill that role.

Florentino Pérez sets his sights on River Plate's new gem

Given this situation, Florentino Pérez has decided to look again toward South America, specifically at River Plate, where Real Madrid have found their next target. The club president keeps an excellent relationship with the Argentine club's board, as shown by the signing of Franco Mastantuono. That good rapport could be key to closing the signing of Juan Cruz Meza, the new jewel of the Millonarios' academy.

At just 17 years old, Juan Cruz Meza has caught Florentino's attention for his talent, intelligence, and maturity on the field. He is an extremely creative midfielder with great vision and refined technique that allows him to link up easily, exactly what Real Madrid need. Best of all: he could arrive at Bernabéu completely free, since his contract ends in December 2026.

Juan Cruz Meza is better than Franco Mastantuono and much cheaper

There is total consensus at Bernabéu regarding his potential, and those who know him claim he is better than Franco Mastantuono. In addition, the main appeal of this deal is its practically symbolic cost. Juan Cruz Meza only has a contract with River Plate until December 2026, and his current market value doesn't exceed €300,000.

Florentino Pérez, always alert to the young talent market, hasn't hesitated to move quickly to get ahead of other European giants. Clubs like Borussia Dortmund are also closely following Juan Cruz Meza, so anything can happen. For now, the deal is in its initial phase, but Real Madrid's interest is real.