What next for Mastantuono? Real Madrid’s $70M teen talent at a crossroads as minutes vanish
Early promise has faded for the Argentine teenager, with his reduced role now forcing a crucial decision this summer.
Franco Mastantuono sparked real excitement among Real Madrid fans last summer. The club paid a hefty fee, north of $70 million, to pry him away from River Plate, and his early performances under Xabi Alonso offered promise. Deployed on the right wing, he showed energy, commitment, and flashes of real quality.
But things have gradually unraveled. The Argentine teenager now finds himself on the fringes, having logged just over 1,200 minutes all season, with three goals and one assist to show for it.
Will Mastantuono still be at Real Madrid next season?
Mastantuono wasn’t in the starting lineup for either the Champions League round of 16 or quarterfinals, and he hasn’t started a LaLiga match since February 1. His involvement has dropped sharply, and heading into the summer, a decision is looming.
Madrid trust remains, but no room right now
Despite his reduced role, belief in Mastantuono hasn’t disappeared inside the club. When Madrid signed him, Paris Saint-Germain were also pushing hard, forcing Los Blancos to move quickly to secure the deal. He came highly recommended by Santiago Solari and chief scout Juni Calafat.
Still, the reality is clear. There is no immediate place for him in the squad, especially with next season shaping up as a high-pressure campaign after two trophyless years. Madrid won’t have the luxury of experimentation, and Mastantuono needs minutes to develop.
He is, after all, just 18 years old.
Loan move the logical next step
That development will almost certainly come away from Madrid, at a club competitive enough to challenge him but willing to give him consistent playing time. The club believes in the process, even if past loan spells for other young players have raised concerns.
Takefusa Kubo struggled for rhythm during his time at Getafe. Reinier’s situation was even more complicated, with loan spells at Borussia Dortmund, Frosinone, and Girona failing to provide stability. He eventually returned to Brazil after his contract expired.
River Plate among interested teams in Mastantuono
Clubs across Europe are already aware that Mastantuono could be available and are beginning to position themselves for a potential loan deal. Interest isn’t limited to Europe either.
River Plate, his former club, are also watching closely. Their head coach, Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet, recently made it clear the door is open.
“We’d welcome him back with open arms,” Coudet said. “This is a different kind of soccer. I don’t think he hasn’t adapted. When he’s played, he’s done well. I don’t want to get too involved, but these are normal development processes. And like I said, he always has a place here.”
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.