Franco Mastantuano to leave Madrid on loan this summer amidst uncertainty on role under Mourinho

Franco Mastantuono Set for Loan Move This Summer as Game Time Doubts Grow Real Madrid are preparing to send 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono out on loan this summer, with the club concerned about his lack of minutes ahead of the 2026/27 season. Mastantuono arrived from River Plate last summer for a €45m fee that rose to €63.2m with taxes and agent fees. He hit the ground running under Xabi Alonso, starting 8 of Madrid’s first 11 games and keeping Rodrygo on the bench with his performances off the right wing. But a groin injury in November derailed his momentum. After returning in January, his role shrank again. He finished the season with 30-34 appearances, 3 goals and 1 assist, but minutes in big games were scarce. He played limited roles against Manchester City and Bayern Munich, and was often left on the bench even when fit.

Why Madrid Want a Loan The issue isn’t talent - it’s pathway. With Vinícius Jr, Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz, and Arda Güler all competing for attacking spots, Mastantuono risks another season of cameos. Madrid’s board now sees a temporary move as the best way to protect their investment. The plan is to send him to a La Liga club to guarantee regular minutes and help him adapt to Spanish football, avoiding the failed development path of Reinier Jesus. “We need to find new clubs for other players like Vinicius and Rodrygo, but obviously, if they see that he doesn’t have the space to shine at Real Madrid, they’ll look at the loan option,” said journalist Jorge Picón. Several clubs are circling. Benfica have been linked with a loan move, and Tottenham were reportedly pursuing a “big-money loan” in May. River Plate have also said they’d welcome him back, with former manager Eduardo Coudet stating: “We wait for him with open arms”. Madrid prefer a domestic loan to keep control of his development. The final call will rest with incoming manager José Mourinho, who is set to take over after the club elections. Madrid aren’t giving up on Mastantuono. Club insiders still believe he can become one of the standout players of his generation. But after a season where he dropped from starter to fringe player, both club and player see a loan as the smartest next step. If he gets the minutes, he could follow the Endrick path - leave on loan, impress, and return ready for a bigger role in 2027.For now, the message is clear: Mastantuono stays a Madrid player long-term, but his 2026/27 season will likely be played elsewhere.