Franco Mastantuono has forced his way back into Jose Mourinho’s thinking at Real Madrid with an eye‐catching start to pre-season that could transform his future at the club, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.
The 19-year-old Argentine arrived at Valdebebas this summer with doubts hanging over his role after a disappointing and inconsistent debut campaign following a move worth around €60m from River Plate. However, his performances in the opening days of training have reportedly made him one of the biggest surprises for Mourinho and have placed him among the players who have most impressed the Portuguese coach.
Real Madrid have been working at their Valdebebas base for 11 days, still without several internationals yet to return from summer commitments. Mourinho has used this period to assess the options currently at his disposal, paying particular attention to those whose status had been questioned after criticism of their form last season.
Mastantuono has emerged as one of the main beneficiaries of that internal review. Marca reports that his technical quality and physical condition have stood out, to the extent that he is now viewed as a realistic contender for a place in Mourinho’s starting XI as the coach shapes his new team and refines his playing style.
From key signing to uncertain debut season
The midfielder’s rise in Mourinho’s estimation has not come entirely out of nowhere. Marca notes that Xabi Alonso had already identified Mastantuono’s potential last season, as had Alvaro Arbeloa during his time working with the club’s youth sides. The player’s arrival was one of the most talked-about deals of the previous campaign, with Alonso regarding his best position as right winger and handing him multiple opportunities to show his ability.
Mastantuono began last season promisingly. He started in the Copa del Rey tie against Albacete, then made his first European appearance from the outset against Monaco and also featured against Benfica. In La Liga he was given significant game time early on, but his minutes gradually declined as the campaign progressed.
His momentum was checked further when he received a red card in stoppage time against Getafe, leading to a two-game suspension. From that point, the former River Plate player steadily lost his place in the starting line-up, with a visible impact on his confidence.
The setback was compounded on the international stage when he was omitted from Argentina’s squad for the World Cup, despite being regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Argentine football. Those disappointments fuelled speculation over his future following a first year that fell short of expectations in Madrid.
Mourinho’s plans and transfer-market implications
Marca reports that Mourinho, like Alonso before him, particularly values Mastantuono’s intensity and his willingness to press high up the pitch – qualities the Portuguese coach sees as fundamental to his new project at the Bernabeu. The Real Madrid boss is now focused on restoring the youngster’s self-belief and providing the conditions for him to demonstrate his full talent and prove he can succeed at the club.
At the same time, Real Madrid are still expected to see further departures this summer and have not ruled out making at least one more signing. Within that context, the option of sending Mastantuono out on loan has been seriously discussed internally, following the example of Brazilian forward Endrick, who has joined Lyon and is expected to work under Mourinho in the coming season.
However, the club hierarchy are not considering a permanent sale. The board believe that adapting to European football requires patience, especially for a teenager experiencing his first campaign away from Argentina, and remain convinced of his long-term potential.
In recent weeks, Mastantuono has been linked with interest from several Premier League clubs as well as sides in Serie A. A loan move within La Liga also remains a possibility, with Villarreal and Real Sociedad among those named as suitors.
For now, though, his strong pre-season start under Mourinho has altered the tone around him at Valdebebas. Where there was once uncertainty over his role, Mastantuono has given himself a genuine chance to stay, compete and fight for a place in Real Madrid’s first team in the new season.
