Real Madrid: Fiorentina set to land Franco Mastantuono

The Italian club has taken the lead in the race to sign the player, who has struggled for playing time in Madrid

Europe Today at 08:30

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Real Madrid: Fiorentina set to land Franco Mastantuono

With limited playing time in his debut season in Spain, Franco Mastantuono looks set for a loan move to secure regular minutes on the pitch.

The future of Franco Mastantuono appears to be unfolding away from Real Madrid this season. Having arrived from River Plate in the summer of 2025, the Argentine attacking midfielder is not expected to remain in José Mourinho’s squad. Real Madrid had already been considering a loan for Franco Mastantuono to ensure he gets more playing time.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Fiorentina has taken the lead and submitted an official offer. Negotiations are focusing in particular on how the player’s salary will be split. Several other clubs remain interested, but the Italian side is said to be confident. Real Madrid, meanwhile, has ruled out the possibility of a return to River Plate, preferring that Mastantuono continues his adaptation to European football.

🚨🇦🇷 Franco Mastantuono will be the next one to leave Real Madrid on loan with Fiorentina advancing in talks.

Fiorentina are leading the race, Franco is open to the move and deal depends on salary coverage. Talks underway.

🎥➕ https://t.co/APKPieVq4a pic.twitter.com/9bC9FjLJBs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 4, 2026

An investment of €63.2 million

Real Madrid shelled out a total of €63.2 million to sign the Argentine starlet. River Plate received €45 million, matching the amount of his release clause, while the remainder of the deal covered taxes and other contributions. Mastantuono thus became the most expensive player in the history of Argentine football.

However, his first season in Madrid did not live up to this hefty investment. According to official Real Madrid statistics, the 18-year-old featured in 35 matches, but was in the starting lineup just 11 times. He scored three goals and failed to register a single assist over 1,484 minutes of play—a return still too modest to stake a claim at a club where results are a constant demand.

Real Madrid can’t afford to wait any longer

The proposed loan should not be taken as a definitive setback. Madrid remains keen to protect its investment, but the current sporting climate leaves little room for lengthy adaptation periods for young talents. After several inconsistent seasons, the club’s priority is to get back to the top, win silverware, and become instantly competitive again under José Mourinho.

The club’s transfer policy this window underscores that ambition. Bernardo Silva quickly emerged as a target for Real Madrid, while Ibrahima Konaté, Marc Cucurella, and Denzel Dumfries also offer immediate guarantees. Mastantuono still boasts tremendous potential, but he needs to develop further and show greater consistency. A full season in Serie A could be the perfect stepping stone before he tries his luck again in Madrid.