Fiorentina sign Franco Mastantuono from Real Madrid on season-long loan

Fiorentina have signed Argentina international Franco Mastantuono from Real Madrid on a season-long loan as they look to strengthen their squad after finishing 15th in Serie A last season.

The Italian club and Real Madrid will share responsibility for the player’s wages, with each side paying 50%. The total value of the arrangement is three million euros.

Mastantuono, an Argentina international, made 35 appearances for Real Madrid last season and scored three goals. The 18-year-old has also made four appearances for his country and is recognised as the youngest player ever to represent the senior Argentina national team.

His move to Fiorentina gives the club an opportunity to add an established young player with experience at both domestic and international level. Fiorentina collected 42 points last season, a total which left them 15th in the league, and they are aiming to improve their position in the new campaign by reinforcing the squad with experienced personnel.

The loan agreement lasts for one season. No permanent transfer has been mentioned in the details of the deal.

Fiorentina and Real Madrid have already met during pre-season, with their previous friendly ending in a 2-2 draw. Mastantuono’s new club will begin its competitive schedule away from home against Roma in the opening round of Serie A.

The move represents a temporary switch for Mastantuono after his first season with Real Madrid, during which he featured 35 times and found the net on three occasions. At international level, he has continued to make history with Argentina, having become the youngest player to appear for the senior national team.

Fiorentina will hope his arrival can contribute to a stronger league campaign after their disappointing finish last term. The club’s first official match of the new season, against Roma, will provide an immediate test as they seek to move up the Serie A table.

Real Madrid will retain the player while he spends the coming season in Italy, with the two clubs sharing the financial cost of his wages equally. The agreement is valued at three million euros, and Mastantuono is set to spend the campaign with a Fiorentina side determined to improve on its 15th-place finish.