Real Madrid’s $74 million gamble? Franco Mastantuono running out of chances

Franco Mastantuono started and earned a penalty in Real Madrid’s first preseason friendly against Alcorcón on Friday, but it did little to change his difficult position within the squad. After that bright opening, he gradually faded from the game and, according to this newspaper, looked short of sharpness during the closed-door portion of the session that followed.

On a day when he needed to make up ground in an increasingly competitive roster battle, the 18-year-old once again struggled to impose himself, showing little confidence and only brief flashes of the talent that convinced Madrid to invest around $74 million in him last summer.

Real Madrid’s faith in Mastantuono remains intact, but there is growing belief inside the club that a loan spell could now be the best way to accelerate his development. The idea is straightforward: secure regular playing time, build confidence through consistent performances and return to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium as a more complete player. Despite the early backing he received from Xabi Alonso following his arrival, he has yet to establish himself. At just 18 – he turns 19 on Aug. 14 – time is still very much on his side. Mourinho has kept him close since preseason training began on July 13 and is prepared to support whatever decision the club ultimately makes. If Madrid gives the green light, Mastantuono will leave.

Where could Mastantuono play next?

The main question is not whether he could depart, but where. Everyone involved agrees that, if he leaves, it will be on a straightforward one-year loan before returning to Madrid. The club and the player will carefully weigh the destination to ensure it provides the right environment for his development.

Several clubs have emerged as potential options. Fulham, coached by former Real Madrid defender Álvaro Arbeloa, is leading the interest from the Premier League, while Fiorentina has recently entered the race from Italy’s Serie A. A temporary return to Argentina has already been ruled out, with Madrid determined for Mastantuono to continue developing in one of Europe’s top five leagues while, ideally, gaining experience in continental competition. The plan mirrors Endrick’s loan move to Olympique Lyonnais last January.

Neither Fulham nor Fiorentina can currently offer UEFA competition, although Fulham’s ambitious project and Arbeloa’s presence make the London club an attractive destination. Last season they finished just one point short of qualifying for the UEFA Conference League, level with Chelsea and ahead of Newcastle United.

Fierce competition at Real Madrid

A final decision is not expected immediately, but Mastantuono’s path into the team is becoming increasingly crowded. His chances could diminish even further if Madrid completes the signing of Diomande, who is expected to compete for the right-sided attacking role alongside Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé.

Brahim Díaz moved ahead of him in the pecking order toward the end of last season, while Federico Valverde can also play on the right. Arda Güler and Bernardo Silva are equally capable of filling that role, and Rodrygo is due to return in January, effectively giving Madrid another major attacking addition. The competition for places is becoming one of the fiercest anywhere in European soccer.

Even so, Mastantuono still has two opportunities over the next four days to make his case. Friendly matches against Leganés on Tuesday and Fiorentina on Saturday come before many of his direct competitors are expected to return to the starting lineup. They could represent his final chance to change the narrative before Madrid returns from Austria, when Brahim and Bernardo Silva rejoin the squad and Mourinho’s battle for places intensifies.

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