Mourinho tells €60m Madrid signing to leave as reshuffle begins under returning coach

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly told €60m summer 2023 signing Franco Mastantuono he must leave the Santiago Bernabeu on loan, as the Portuguese coach begins to reshape his squad just days into pre-season.

Mourinho, back at work for a little over a week, has been leading sessions at Valdebebas with his staff and the group of players not involved at Euro 2024 or the Copa America. Those early workouts are doubling as an audition, particularly for younger and fringe players, as the coach decides who will feature in his plans for the coming campaign.

Big-money Mastantuono told to go

According to Spanish radio station Cadena Cope, Real Madrid have asked Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono to find a new club for the season ahead.

The teenager, signed from River Plate for around €60m last summer, is not viewed as a starter for 2024-25 and the club want him to leave on loan to gain regular first‐team football.

Mourinho is understood to have insisted on watching Mastantuono closely in training before any decision was taken. However, the coach has not been fully convinced by the 19‐year‐old’s performances so far, and Madrid now expect “numerous offers” for the player, who remains highly regarded around Europe.

The move would mark a significant step in Mourinho’s early restructuring of the squad, with the coach seemingly prioritising immediate readiness over long‐term potential in certain positions.

Asensio set for Bernabeu exit

Cadena Cope also reports that defender Raul Asensio will have to leave the Bernabeu, at least temporarily.

The Spaniard is said to be outside Mourinho’s plans for the season, with Real Madrid anticipated to bring in a new centre-back. A loan move is viewed as the most likely outcome, allowing the club to strengthen at the back while giving Asensio the chance to play elsewhere.

His expected departure underlines Mourinho’s willingness to make swift calls on players on the fringes of the squad.

Gonzalo Garcia wins over Mourinho

In contrast, forward Gonzalo Garcia is now likely to stay, despite doubts over his future when pre-season began – particularly with the arrival of Brazilian prodigy Endrick.

The young attacker has “impressed the Portuguese coach”, convincing Mourinho that he can offer valuable depth in attack in the coming campaign.

Mourinho’s verdict represents a turnaround for Garcia, who had been considered a possible candidate for a loan or sale earlier in the summer.

Høijer seizes his chance

Spanish defender Dean Høijer is also making the most of this crucial phase.

Leaving is not currently seen as an option for the centre-back, but after missing out on Spain’s World Cup squad he has been determined to prove his worth to Mourinho.

As reported recently by Spanish sports daily AS, Høijer is “impressing everyone in training” with standout displays that have caught the eye of the new coach. His performances have strengthened his position in the group at a time when defensive roles are under review.

Teenager Fofana catches the eye

One of the most eye‐catching names in camp so far is 16‐year‐old Spanish midfielder Sheriff Fofana.

Fofana is said to be showing “very promising” potential, to the extent that Mourinho is considering keeping him with the first‐team squad for the entire pre‐season programme rather than sending him back to youth level.

His progress is being closely monitored, with the teenager viewed as one of the most exciting prospects currently emerging from Madrid’s academy.

World Cup returnees face same test

As Madrid’s World Cup contingent gradually return from their holidays over the coming days and weeks, they will also be subject to Mourinho’s scrutiny.

Despite their status and experience, they too will have to convince the Portuguese coach they deserve a place in his side as he shapes the squad for the new season.

For now, however, it is the young and fringe players at Valdebebas who are feeling the immediate impact of Mourinho’s return – and discovering quickly who is in, and who is out, of his Real Madrid reboot.