Mastantuono's loan fate hangs as he signals River with a gesture
Franco Mastantuono is at a decisive crossroads in Europa, with his future at Real Madrid hanging by a thread after being omitted from the squad for the pre‑season friendly against Fiorentina. The Argentine midfielder’s exclusion, ordered by José Mourinho, has been read as a clear sign that a loan move is imminent.
After a first season far below expectations at Real Madrid, the young Argentine was left out of the match‑day list for the Fiorentina friendly, a decision taken by José Mourinho that confirms the club’s intent to move him on.
Mourinho also chose not to take Mastantuono to Austria with the travelling delegation, marking a stark change for a player who had featured in the first two Spanish side friendlies of the campaign.
The Portuguese coach gave the green light for Mastantuono to seek continuity at another club during this season, signalling that Real Madrid is prepared to let him develop elsewhere.
Mastantuono arrived at the Casa Blanca in mid‑2025 from River in a transfer close to €45 million net, but Real Madrid closed a campaign without titles and the Argentine never cemented his place, logging 35 official matches, three goals and one assist.
Interest has surged from Villarreal, Benfica and Fulham – now managed by Álvaro Arbeloa, who knows the player from Madrid’s youth ranks – as well as several French clubs, while River also monitors any chance of a return.
In a surprising move, the midfielder posted a childhood photograph wearing the River jersey, captioned “La escuelita en familia”, a gesture that many interpreted as a GUIÑO to River and reignited hopes among the Argentine supporters.
The decision will be finalised in the coming days; Real Madrid prefers a loan without a purchase option, while the River gesture keeps the idea of a temporary homecoming alive for the player.
FRANCO, MASTANTUONO, DE, CON, La, RIVER, Millonario, GUIÑO, Real, Madrid, River, Europa, Fiorentina, José, Mourinho, Austria, Mastantuono, Franco, Mastantuono, River, Millonario, Con, La, FRANCO, MASTANTUONO, RIVER, GUIÑO, DE, José, Mourinho, Fiorentina, Real, Madrid, Europa, River, Mastantuono.