Franco Mastantuono Set for Fiorentina Loan After 23 Real Madrid Appearances

Real Madrid midfielder Franco Mastantuono is moving to Fiorentina on a season-long loan following a €45 million move from River Plate.

Real Madrid midfielder Franco Mastantuono is set to join Fiorentina on a season-long loan deal. The 18-year-old Argentine, who arrived at the Bernabéu for a €45 million transfer fee from River Plate last summer, will move to Serie A for the duration of the 2026-27 campaign. Sources told ESPN that the Spanish champions will continue to pay a proportion of the player's wages during his tenure in Italy. This decision follows a season where the teenager struggled to secure a consistent impact in the Spanish capital.

During the 2025-26 LaLiga season, Mastantuono made 23 appearances for Real Madrid. Despite the high expectations surrounding his arrival as a top-rated South American talent, he managed to score only one goal in league play. His lack of form during that period resulted in his exclusion from the Argentina national team squad for the World Cup. Madrid officials have determined that a stint in the Italian top flight represents the most effective path for his current professional development.

Pre-season Omission and Fiorentina Friendly

The transfer comes immediately after Mastantuono was left out of the matchday squad for Saturday’s pre-season friendly against his future club, Fiorentina. That exhibition match ended in a 2-2 draw. Before being sidelined for the move, the midfielder had participated in two training practice matches under the guidance of new Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho. His absence from the weekend fixture served as the final preparation for his transition to Florence.

Madrid’s coaching staff and management opted for this loan move after evaluating his performance throughout the previous year. While he entered European football as one of the most highly-regarded teenagers in the sport, the transition proved difficult. By sending him to Fiorentina, the club aims to provide him with more regular playing time than he received during his debut season in Spain.

Financial Terms and Development Strategy

The financial structure of the agreement ensures that Real Madrid remains invested in the player's immediate future by subsidizing a part of his salary. This arrangement facilitates the move to the Stadio Artemio Franchi while Mastantuono seeks to rediscover the form that prompted his multi-million euro move from South America. The season-long loan is viewed as a strategic step to help the 18-year-old adapt to the rigors of European top-flight football away from the immediate pressure of the Bernabéu.

Real Madrid Squad Dynamics

As Mastantuono departs, Real Madrid continues to manage other high-profile roster situations. The club is reportedly preparing for critical discussions regarding Vinícius Júnior, though sources indicate they do not intend to increase their current offer to the Brazilian forward. Additionally, the club's recent activity follows a summer of significant changes under Mourinho’s leadership. Mastantuono’s exit on loan marks a shift in the club's approach to managing their expensive young recruits who require more seasoning before becoming regular starters in the first team.