Mastantuono left off Real Madrid’s roster as loan move nears
The Argentine won’t travel to Austria for Madrid’s friendly against Fiorentina. A loan move is taking shape - but not a return to River Plate.
Real Madrid’s latest preseason roster drop delivered a surprise ahead of Saturday’s friendly in Austria against Fiorentina.
José Mourinho’s list notably excludes three players: Huijsen, dealing with minor discomfort; Rüdiger, still working his way back into form; and Argentine midfielder Mastantuono — whose absence, club sources say, is “obvious.” He’s staying in Madrid as his loan exit approaches.
The truth is simple: Mastantuono doesn’t have a place in this Real Madrid squad right now. Last season was already a struggle. He opened the year with solid minutes under Xabi Alonso, but his role steadily shrank. By the end of the campaign, his numbers were modest — under 1,500 minutes played, just three goals, and one assist. A thin return for a player who cost the club more than $65 million after arriving from River Plate.
No room for Mastantuono
And this season was shaping up to be even tougher. Madrid’s aggressive summer rebuild has brought in several players who directly block Mastantuono’s path to consistent minutes. Bernardo Silva alone pushes him further down Mourinho’s depth chart. The imminent arrival of Diomande seals it: there’s no room for him. A loan is not only logical — it’s necessary.
The destination remains under wraps, but as AS previously reported, Mastantuono has strong interest in Italy. Fiorentina explored a loan, and both Roma and AC Milan have asked about him. In England, Fulham’s sporting department has been told by coach Arbeloa that he wants the Argentine in his squad.
Rumors of a return to River Plate surfaced briefly, but both the player and Real Madrid have ruled that out. Mastantuono needs European competition to continue adapting to top‑tier soccer and to meet the expectations that came with his signing a year ago.
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