The Surprising Real Madrid Shirt Number That Could Shake Up La Liga’s Transfer Market

Real Madrid have placed high hopes on Franco Mastantuono. The young Argentine winger will join training this week under Xabi Alonso and aim to earn a spot in the starting lineup for the upcoming La Liga campaign. But before that, the club will reveal his jersey number—something that could be crucial in understanding the Spanish side’s next steps in the transfer market.

Los Blancos reached an agreement with River Plate over two months ago to sign Mastantuono for €63.2 million (over $73 million), a figure that includes not only the payment of his release clause from the Argentine side but also taxes and other fees. However, he was unable to join his new teammates until turning 18, as international transfers of minors are generally prohibited under FIFA regulations.

Franco’s 18th birthday is this Thursday, August 14, and that’s when Real Madrid will officially present him as a new member of the squad. At that event, the club will also reveal the jersey number the winger will wear during his first year in Spain.

Initially, speculation suggested Mastantuono might wear number 25, the lowest number still available in the roster. But that could change, and the young Argentine may instead take number 30—the same number he wore at River Plate, and the one Lionel Messi used early in his career at Barcelona.

Xabi Alonso, head coach of Real Madrid.

Why Mastantuono’s number matters

The debate over Franco Mastantuono’s jersey number is not just a superficial talking point. La Liga enforces strict rules when it comes to registering players and building rosters, as seen in past seasons with Barcelona and their financial struggles.

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One of these regulations involves the number of professional players a club can register. The maximum is 25, and those players must wear shirt numbers between 1 and 25. So far, Real Madrid have registered 24 players, with numbers 1 through 24 already assigned.

If Mastantuono is introduced with the number 25 jersey, it will mean Los Blancos have filled their quota and cannot add more players unless someone already registered is removed. On the other hand, if Franco wears number 30—or any number above 25—it would indicate he’s been registered with Real Madrid Castilla, the reserve team that plays in Spain’s third division. In that case, Real Madrid would still have one open roster spot for a new signing.

What position might Real Madrid strengthen?

If Franco Mastantuono is registered with Real Madrid Castilla and the club retains space for one more addition, the head coach seems to have clear priorities. “Xabi wants another reliable center-back, as he doesn’t fully trust (Antonio) Rudiger, (Eder) Militao, and (David) Alaba, and he’s also looking for a midfield playmaker,” reported Diario Sport.

With center-back reportedly being Xabi Alonso’s top priority, rumors suggest the main target could be playing in the Premier League. Ibrahima Konate, who has yet to reach a contract renewal with Liverpool, is believed to be the frontrunner.

“Those at Anfield believe contact between Real Madrid and the Frenchman has already taken place, and there may even be an agreement in place. That’s why the club is pushing to extend a contract that expires next June 30,” Diario Marca reported. “All in an effort to prevent him from leaving the English club and joining Real Madrid on a free transfer.”

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