Real Madrid have reportedly made a significant U-turn regarding the future of young Argentine attacker Franco Mastantuono, with head coach Jose Mourinho now determined to keep the teenager after being impressed by his performances during pre-season training.
Only a few weeks ago, the 18-year-old appeared likely to leave the Santiago Bernabéu, with several clubs monitoring his situation. However, his impressive attitude and performances have reportedly convinced Mourinho that he deserves another opportunity to fight for a place in the first team.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Franco Mastantuono |
| Club | Real Madrid |
| Age | 18 |
| Nationality | Argentina |
| Position | Right Winger / Attacking Midfielder |
| Head Coach | Jose Mourinho |
| Current Status | Expected to Stay |
Mourinho Changes Real Madrid’s Transfer Plans
According to reports from Marca, Mourinho has been impressed by Mastantuono’s performances during the opening weeks of pre-season.
While Real Madrid had previously been open to allowing the youngster to leave, the Portuguese coach now reportedly views him as an important option for the upcoming campaign.
Although a loan move later in the transfer window has not been completely ruled out, reports indicate there is no intention of approving a permanent transfer this summer.
Why Real Madrid Wanted to Sell
Mastantuono endured a difficult first season in Spain after arriving from River Plate.
Despite being regarded as one of South America’s brightest talents, he struggled to secure regular playing time.
2025-26 Season Statistics
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Competitions | 35 | 3 | 1 |
| La Liga | 23 | 1 | 0 |
Those numbers fell short of expectations, leading to speculation that Real Madrid could send him elsewhere to continue his development.
Clubs Interested in Mastantuono
Before Mourinho’s decision, several clubs had been linked with the Argentine youngster.
| Club | Reported Interest | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Fulham | Strong | Monitoring |
| Tottenham Hotspur | Interested | No official offer |
| Real Madrid | Wants to Keep | Current Favourite |
Fulham appeared to be one of the clubs most interested in offering Mastantuono regular Premier League football, while Tottenham also reportedly admired the youngster’s technical qualities.
River Plate Record
Before joining Real Madrid, Mastantuono established himself as one of Argentina’s most exciting young players.
River Plate Career
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Matches | 64 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 7 |
His performances in Argentina convinced Real Madrid to secure one of South America’s biggest teenage prospects.
Where Could Mastantuono Fit Under Mourinho?
Mastantuono naturally operates on the right side of attack, but he is capable of playing in several advanced positions.
With Rodrygo currently unavailable through injury, there could be opportunities for the teenager to receive more first-team minutes.
However, competition remains fierce.
Competition for Places
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Franco Mastantuono | RW / AM |
| Arda Güler | RW / AM |
| Brahim Díaz | RW / AM |
| Bernardo Silva | RW / CM |
Breaking into Mourinho’s preferred starting lineup will not be easy, but pre-season offers the youngster an ideal opportunity to impress.
Strengths That Have Impressed Mourinho
| Attribute | Rating |
|---|---|
| Dribbling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Creativity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Ball Control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Vision | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Technique | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Potential | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Mastantuono’s technical ability, confidence in possession, and willingness to attack defenders have reportedly stood out during training sessions.
His versatility also gives Mourinho additional tactical options across the attacking line.
Real Madrid’s Pre-Season Schedule
Real Madrid will use several friendly matches to prepare for the new campaign.
| Fixture | Competition |
|---|---|
| Leganés | Behind-closed-doors Friendly |
| Fiorentina | Pre-Season Friendly |
| Ferencvárosi | Pre-Season Friendly |
| Deportivo La Coruña | Pre-Season Friendly |
These matches could play a major role in determining whether Mastantuono becomes part of Mourinho’s plans for the opening weeks of the season.
Possible Role in the 2026-27 Season
| Scenario | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| First-team squad member | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Rotation option | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Loan move later this summer | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Permanent transfer | ⭐☆☆☆☆ |
Based on the latest reports, remaining at Real Madrid now appears to be the most likely outcome.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Mourinho’s Decision | Wants to keep Mastantuono |
| Permanent Sale | No longer expected |
| Loan Move | Still possible |
| Main Competition | Güler, Brahim Díaz, Bernardo Silva |
| Opportunity | Rodrygo’s absence could open minutes |
Final Verdict
Franco Mastantuono’s future at Real Madrid has taken a dramatic turn following an impressive start to pre-season under Jose Mourinho.
After initially appearing likely to leave the club, the Argentine teenager has reportedly convinced the new manager that he deserves another opportunity to develop in Madrid. While a loan move cannot be completely ruled out, a permanent exit now seems highly unlikely.
With several pre-season fixtures still to come, Mastantuono has the perfect platform to continue impressing Mourinho and stake his claim for a place in Real Madrid’s squad when the 2026-27 La Liga season begins.
