Real Madrid attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono made his way to the Royal White club last summer for a big fee at the behest of Xabi Alonso and Juni Calafat, who have both been criticized by some at the Valdebebas for the move.
Mastantuono struggled so much in his first season at Madrid that there were worries Jose Mourinho could already decide to give up on the Argentinian prospect, as the player had serious attitude issues during the season under Alvaro Arbeloa and barely seemed to try during games, looking like he belonged nowhere near La Liga.
But Mourinho and Real Madrid are actually still high on Mastantuono and saw enough technical quality and skill from the 18 year old sensation. Real Madrid are not at all interested in selling and making a loss on an investment that is still promising, but it is obvious that they need a loan.
Brahim looks more likely to stay
According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have just given the green light for Franco Mastantuono to be loaned out this summer transfer window after a tough first season. There are several clubs interested in Mastantuono on loan, and there have been rumors for weeks about the Argentinian likely going out. And now, Fab is confirming the news, though he is also reassuring the Madrid faithful that there are zero plans to add any sort of a buy option in the teenager's loan move.
Mastantuono heading out of Real Madrid, even for just a year, is great news for Brahim Diaz, who had a strong World Cup with a handful of assists for the Moroccan national team. Brahim has been linked closely with a Serie A return due to Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti's profound interest in the ambipedal playmaker, but Brahim has made it clear that he wants to stay. And Jose Mourinho wants him to stay, too, perhaps more intrigued by the veteran forward after his excellent World Cup as a playmaking force.
Although Franco Mastantuono will eventually take Brahim's roster spot, he is not ready yet, and by clearing out space, Brahim's status as a role player is more settled uner Mourinho. They are not the same player, of course, but they play similar roles coming in off their left foot or being backup No. 10's to Arda Guler, so Mastantuono getting the green light for a loan transfer this summer is a boost for the Moroccan international.
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