Argentine youngster Franco Mastantuono has managed to change the outlook surrounding his future at Real Madrid after producing impressive performances during the opening days of pre-season and earning the admiration of Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho.
A loan move had previously been considered a serious option by the club, but Mastantuono’s displays in training have suggested that the 18-year-old may be capable of competing for a place in the starting line-up, potentially opening the door for him to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Franco Mastantuono has been one of the players who surprised Jose Mourinho the most during the early stages of pre-season.
The Argentine winger has shown an impressive level of technical and physical quality in training, while also demonstrating high intensity and a strong ability to press opponents, two qualities Mourinho considers important in his new Real Madrid project.
Real Madrid have been training at Valdebebas for the past 11 days, with several international players yet to return to the squad following their commitments with their national teams.
Mourinho has used this period to assess the players currently available to him, particularly those whose futures were questioned after disappointing performances last season.
Mastantuono has been one of the main beneficiaries of the absence of several first-team players, as it has given him more opportunities to showcase his ability in front of the new coaching staff.
The youngster has made a positive impression on Mourinho, who is still working to define his preferred starting line-up and the style of play he intends to use next season.
Although Real Madrid could still allow several players to leave during the summer transfer window, while the possibility of another signing remains open, Mastantuono has so far shown that he is capable of competing for a place in the squad.
The current coaching staff’s appreciation of Mastantuono’s ability is not limited to Jose Mourinho.
Former coach Xabi Alonso had also recognised the Argentine winger’s potential, while Alvaro Arbeloa monitored his development during his time working with Real Madrid’s youth teams.
Xabi Alonso reportedly believed that the right wing was Mastantuono’s best position and gave him several opportunities to demonstrate his quality last season.
Real Madrid continue to believe that the player has considerable talent, although the club also understands that adapting to European football takes time, particularly for a young player experiencing his first season away from Argentina.
Franco Mastantuono made a promising start to his first season at Real Madrid and was named in the starting line-up against Albacete in the Copa del Rey.
He also started his first European match against Monaco before receiving another opportunity against Benfica.
In La Liga, the Argentine featured regularly during the opening stages of the campaign, but his playing time gradually declined as the season progressed.
Mastantuono then suffered a major setback after receiving a red card during stoppage time against Getafe, which resulted in a two-match suspension.
From that point, he gradually lost his place in the starting line-up, while his confidence appeared to decline during a difficult period both technically and mentally.
The youngster’s difficulties were not limited to his reduced role at Real Madrid.
He suffered another major disappointment when he was left out of Argentina’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, despite being regarded as one of the country’s most promising young talents.
His exclusion from the tournament increased speculation over his future at Real Madrid, particularly after he failed to consistently reach the expected level during his first season in Spain.
Real Madrid signed Franco Mastantuono from River Plate in a deal reportedly worth around €60 million.
The transfer formed part of the club’s strategy of recruiting the most promising young talents in South America before their market values rise significantly.
However, Mastantuono’s first season did not fully meet expectations, leading the club to consider several options, including a loan move to a team where he could play more regularly.
According to the Spanish report, Mourinho values Mastantuono’s ability to play with high intensity and apply pressure high up the pitch.
The Portuguese coach believes those qualities are well suited to the style he wants to implement at Real Madrid next season.
Mourinho is currently working to rebuild the player’s confidence and provide him with the right environment to rediscover his best form and show the talent that convinced Real Madrid to sign him.
The current pre-season period could become a turning point in Mastantuono’s career, especially if he continues to impress in training and friendly matches.
A loan move for Franco Mastantuono had been seriously considered by Real Madrid, similar to the decision involving Brazilian striker Endrick, who joined Lyon in search of more playing time.
However, Mourinho’s admiration for Mastantuono’s performances during pre-season could convince the club to reconsider that scenario.
Real Madrid are not considering selling the Argentine permanently, as the club’s hierarchy still believes in his ability and long-term potential.
Officials also recognise that he needs more time to adapt to European football and the pressure that comes with wearing the Real Madrid shirt.
Mastantuono has recently been linked with interest from several Premier League clubs, as well as teams in Italy.
A loan move within La Liga also remains a possibility, with Villarreal and Real Sociedad reportedly among the clubs interested in signing him.
However, those plans could change completely if the youngster maintains his current level and convinces Mourinho that he deserves a full opportunity at Real Madrid.
While the summer began with Mastantuono facing a possible loan exit, the latest indications suggest that the Argentine could become one of Real Madrid’s surprise performers next season.
