Real Madrid have decided to send Franco Mastantuono out on loan for the coming season, ONE reports, with the Argentine winger left out of the club's preseason friendly against Fiorentina in Austria as the move enters its closing stages.
Mastantuono arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu just over a year ago in one of the most expensive transfers in Argentine football history. Real Madrid triggered his €45 million release clause at River Plate, with the full package — including taxes and add-ons — rising above €60 million.
The move has not paid off as hoped. According to ONE, the 19-year-old managed fewer than 1,500 minutes across all competitions in his debut campaign, contributing three goals and a single assist, numbers well short of what was expected given his price tag.
Competition for places has only intensified. Bernardo Silva joined Real Madrid on a free transfer from Manchester City in June, and the club are separately closing in on a deal for RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, a fee reported near €120 million that would make the Ivorian winger one of the most expensive signings in the club's history.
ONE reports that several Italian clubs have shown concrete interest in taking Mastantuono on loan, with Fiorentina to the fore and both Roma and Milan also monitoring the situation. Interest from the Premier League, including Fulham, has also been noted.
A return to River Plate, where Mastantuono made his name before the move to Spain, has been ruled out. Real Madrid's stated preference, per the report, is for him to continue his development within Europe.
Fabrizio Romano corroborated the substance of the story on Wednesday, writing that Real Madrid have confirmed internally that Mastantuono will leave on loan and that the club indicated a preference for a European loan over any Argentine return.
Despite sending him out, Real Madrid are not believed to be entertaining a permanent sale. The club still regards Mastantuono as part of its longer-term plans and wants regular football elsewhere to prepare him for a firmer foothold back at the Bernabéu.
