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Madrid Universal

·28 July 2026

Madrid Universal

·28 July 2026

Although Franco Mastantuono has been impressing Jose Mourinho & co. in pre-season so far, there is a strong feeling that the Real Madrid teenager will leave the club on loan this summer.

The 18-year-old sensation went through a difficult first season at the Santiago Bernabeu, with pubalgia problems and a lack of regular game time holding him back.

His situation is not expected to get any better, considering that the competition for places has only grown after the signing of Bernardo Silva and the imminent arrival of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.

Because of that, the idea of a loan departure for the teenage gem makes complete sense, so that he can play on a regular basis and keep developing.

In that context, Guillermo Rai of The Athletic reports that Mastantuono wants to return to his former club River Plate if he leaves Real Madrid on loan this summer.

Mastantuono wants to go back to River Plate. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The teenage prodigy made his breakthrough at the Argentine side, drawing significant interest from several top clubs across Europe.

In the end, it was Real Madrid who won the race for the versatile 18-year-old attacking midfielder.

Los Blancos paid a huge €63 million, including taxes and commisions, to sign Mastantuono from River Plate.

Now, with limited room in the squad, the teenager wants to return home for the coming season in order to continue his development.

According to the report, River Plate are fully aware of Mastantuono’s wish to come back to the club just one year after he left.

Where will Mastantuono play next season? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

In fact, the Argentine giants are very keen to bring back their former teenage wonderkid, even if only on loan for one season.

At the same time, the Real Madrid talent also has a number of clubs in Europe interested in signing him.

Everything now depends on what Real Madrid feel is the best way to help Mastantuono keep developing and realise his huge potential.

A meeting is set between the attacker’s camp and the club this week to discuss his future and take a decision.