Real Madrid agree loan move for Franco Mastantuono to Fiorentina

Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Fiorentina for Franco Mastantuono to join the Italian club on loan during the current transfer window, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

The 18-year-old Argentina winger is expected to spend one season at Fiorentina under the terms of the agreement. The deal does not include an option for the Serie A club to buy him permanently, but it does contain a provision allowing the loan to be extended for a further campaign if Fiorentina qualify for one of European football’s club competitions.

Mastantuono joined Real Madrid from River Plate at the beginning of last season in a transfer reported to be worth about 60m euros. However, he did not reach the level expected during his first campaign in Spain, and the decision has now been taken for him to leave temporarily in search of regular first-team football and greater experience.

The report says Jose Mourinho had been impressed by Mastantuono’s ability. Despite that admiration, Real Madrid’s coaching staff and directors concluded that the player would have limited opportunities to establish himself in the starting line-up. A loan move was therefore considered the best way for the teenager to gain more playing time and continue his development.

Mastantuono has made 35 appearances for Real Madrid so far, scoring three goals and providing one assist. His move to Fiorentina would give him the chance to play more consistently in Serie A, which is regarded as one of the preferred destinations for developing young players.

The player’s salary, estimated at approximately 3m euros, will be shared equally by Real Madrid and Fiorentina, with each club responsible for 50% of the figure.

If the agreement is completed, Mastantuono could become the second Real Madrid player to move to Fiorentina during the current summer transfer window. He would follow Real Madrid youth player Victor Valdepenas, who has also joined the Italian club.

Real Madrid’s decision reflects its view that Mastantuono needs regular competitive football before he can be expected to play a more significant role at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Argentina international will instead continue his development in Italy, with the loan structured to give Fiorentina the possibility of keeping him for an additional season if it secures European qualification.