The future of Franco Mastantuono has once again taken center stage, and a question has begun to gain traction among fans of River: can he return to the club just a year after being transferred toReal Madrid?
The 18-year-old midfielder did not manage to establish himself during his first season with the Spanish team, and with the arrival of José Mourinho as coach, he was sidelined in consideration. Although he participated in preseason friendlies and even scored a goal against Leganés, the Portuguese coach does not have him among his priorities for the 2026/27 season.
Mastantuono is going through preseason with Real Madrid, although he would not be considered by Mourinho
In light of this scenario, the White House is considering loaning him out so he can gain minutes and continue his development. It was then that River came into the picture. According to reports, Mastantuono expressed to his representatives and the management of the Spanish club that his priority, if he had to leave, was to return to the Millonario, where he made the leap to professional football.
From Núñez, they closely followed the situation and did not rule out trying to bring him back, aware that the player needed continuity. However, the Merengue's stance is firm: if the midfielder is loaned out, it will only be to another European team.
This decision responds to the sports plan of the club led by Florentino Pérez, which invested around 60 million euros to acquire him and considers that the best way to complete his adaptation is to remain in football on the Old Continent, competing at the highest level before returning to the White House.
With that possibility ruled out, Mastantuono and his entourage will meet in the coming days to evaluate the offers that have come in from Europe. Benfica and Fulham are the teams that have shown the most interest so far, while Villarreal and Fiorentina also appear among the possible destinations.
Mastantuono would leave Real Madrid on loan to a European club to gain experience
For now, the player's desire to wear the red band again will have to wait. River wanted him back, and Mastantuono himself viewed that possibility positively, but Real Madrid's decision has closed that door, and everything indicates that he will continue his career, at least for one more season, at another European club.
Mastantuono's numbers at Real Madrid
Since his arrival at the White House in mid-last year, the native of Azul has played 1,484 minutes, spread over 35 matches, in which he scored 3 goals, provided one assist, and received 5 yellow cards and one direct red card.
