Franco Mastantuono’s departure from Real Madrid now appears to be only a matter of hours or days, with the highly rated Argentine midfielder expected to spend next season in Italy.
Mastantuono arrived in the Spanish capital in August 2025 with a strong reputation and significant expectations surrounding his development. During the opening months of his Real Madrid career, the youngster enjoyed encouraging playing time under Xabi Alonso and showed flashes of the technical quality that had made him one of South America’s most exciting prospects. However, his role gradually diminished as the season progressed. He found opportunities increasingly difficult to come by under Alonso, and the situation did not improve after Alvaro Arbeloa took charge.
The Argentine began this summer’s pre-season working under José Mourinho, hoping to convince the new coach that he deserved a place in the first-team squad. Nevertheless, after several weeks of evaluation, Real Madrid decided that the best solution for his immediate future would be a temporary move away from the Santiago Bernabéu.
The club believes Mastantuono needs regular minutes, greater responsibility and a stable environment in which he can rebuild his confidence. A loan spell would also allow him to continue adapting to the demands of European football, both physically and tactically, before returning to Madrid with more experience.
Italy is now expected to be his next destination. According to several sources, Fiorentina are in advanced talks to sign Mastantuono on loan for the 2026/27 season. The move has been anticipated for some time, and his absence from Real Madrid’s most recent friendly was widely interpreted as another clear sign that negotiations were progressing.
People close to the player have reportedly given cautious confirmation that the Fiorentina option is the most likely outcome, although neither club has officially announced the agreement. The final details are still being discussed, but the operation is expected to be a straightforward one-year loan without a permanent transfer clause.
Real Madrid had previously rejected the possibility of sending Mastantuono back to River Plate, the club where he developed before moving to Spain. Interest from Saudi Arabia was also dismissed. Madrid’s priority has always been to keep the player in Europe, where he can continue his tactical education and remain under close observation.
🚨🇦🇷 Franco Mastantuono will be the next one to leave Real Madrid on loan with Fiorentina advancing in talks.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 4, 2026
Fiorentina are leading the race, Franco is open to the move and deal depends on salary coverage. Talks underway.
🎥➕ https://t.co/APKPieVq4a pic.twitter.com/9bC9FjLJBs
A move within Spain would initially have been viewed as the ideal scenario, as it would have allowed Mastantuono to gain experience in La Liga. However, Fiorentina’s sporting project, their willingness to offer him meaningful playing time and the competitive environment of Serie A have made the Italian club an attractive alternative.
For Mastantuono, the coming season could be decisive. At just 18 years old, he still has considerable time to develop, but regular football will be essential after a difficult first year in Madrid. Fiorentina could provide the platform he needs to rediscover his rhythm, express his creativity and return to Real Madrid better prepared to compete for a long-term place in the squad. The move is expected to be finalized and announced in the coming days.
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