Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Real Madrid and Franco Mastantuono have seemed quite inclined towards finding a loan move for the player for some time now.
The Argentine teenager seemed keen on returning to River Plate, an option Los Blancos did not view too favourably, with their preference being for him to stay in Europe.
Mastantuono was subsequently left out of Jose Mourinho’s squad for the pre-season friendly against Fiorentina, indicating that a move was in the works.
Now, according to Hector Gomez, La Liga club Valencia have joined the race to sign Franco Mastantuono on loan, with the Mestalla club making a formal enquiry.
Valencia view the operation as difficult but still consider themselves one of the possible destinations for the Argentine if Madrid decide to send him out temporarily.
Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid
Valencia show interest in Mastantuono. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Despite being left out of the travelling squad, the South American starlet’s future remains unresolved, with a number of possible destinations.
Valencia could offer regular La Liga minutes and a familiar domestic environment, allowing the teenager to continue adapting to Spanish football without leaving the country.
This is something that could appeal to Real Madrid. However, the operation is still expected to be difficult.
Real Madrid are expected to demand a clear development plan, meaningful playing time and a loan structure without a purchase option.
Valencia would also have to convince both the club and the player that Mestalla is the right place for the next stage of his career.
Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid and Argentina
Mastantuono is also attracting interest from Italy. (Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images)
They would also need to find an important role for Mastantuono within their project for the upcoming season, knowing full well that they will not have a purchase option.
There are many things going in Valencia’s favour and many things going against them too. In sporting terms, they have not had a great time recently either.
Moreover, Fiorentina in Italy are also pushing hard to sign the player on loan for the upcoming campaign.
Ultimately, the decision over where Mastantuono spends the upcoming season lies with Real Madrid and the player himself.
Since this is a loan move strictly designed to aid his development, Los Blancos need to prioritise high-quality game time more than anything else.
It remains to be seen which club eventually signs the Argentine teenager and whether Valencia manage to convince Real Madrid to choose them as his next temporary destination.
Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid
Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid
Franco Mastantuono is one of the players in the Real Madrid first team who has been outright informed that he is not in Jose Mourinho’s plans.
The teenager , after all, endured a difficult first season at the club and did not impress as he would have liked with injuries playing a part in keeping him from his best version.
Pressed to look for a departure, the Argentine star seemingly preferred a move back to River Plate but Los Blancos preferred that his next destination be somewhere in Europe.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo now, Mastantuono has agreed to leave to a European club but demands that it be in Italy.
On that front, one club sounds strong, and it is surprisingly the same team Los Blancos face in their first pre-season friendly – Fiorentina.
Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid
Out of Mourinho’s plans. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The player has reportedly conveyed to the manager that he wishes to move to Italy, and Fiorentina are among the most interested of all parties at his doorstep.
Notably, even AC Milan and Napoli have submitted offers for Mastantuono, and everything will come down to his personal decision. The ball is completely in his court and he would prefer to participate in European competitions.
As matters stand, contacts are ongoing between Fiorentina and Mastantuono and it remains to be seen how long they drag on. The Italian club, for their part, do not wish to pressurise the player.
Real Madrid are sending Mastantuono on loan with the intention of counting on him for the long haul, but history is testament that loan departures are seldom as straightforward as they appear.
Franco Mastantuono of Argentina
Serie A bound? (Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images)
While some, like the case of Brahim Diaz, worked out relatively well, others have not ended as joyously. A return to the club after leaving on loan, moreover, is complicated given that Real Madrid seldom have any constraints in replacing players.
Mastantuono will thus leave with the intention of returning soon, and he will hope it is just a ‘see you later.’
The practicality of the situation, however, is grossly different, and he must thus look to play solid minutes at a high quality to ensure his future at an elite club.