Real Madrid wonderkid Franco Mastantuono is closing in on a season-long loan move to Fiorentina after new head coach Jose Mourinho reportedly told him he would struggle for regular playing time at the Santiago Bernabeu this season.
According to reports from Spain, Mourinho held an honest conversation with the 18-year-old Argentine teenager, explaining that fierce competition for attacking midfield places would severely limit his opportunities. Mastantuono makes a shocking statement at Bernabeu: “Messi is the best”With the likes of Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler and Rodrygo all competing for minutes, Mastantuono decided the best solution for his development was to leave on loan in search of regular first-team football.
Fiorentina have moved quickest to secure his signature. Head coach Fabio Grosso and sporting director Fabio Paratici have already spoken directly with the youngster, outlining the role they expect him to play in Florence and assuring him of consistent minutes throughout the campaign. Coach, call my school and postpone my exam. I have a derby to win! The proposal has reportedly convinced both the player and Real Madrid, with the deal now edging closer to completion.
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The only remaining issue is the player’s salary, as the two clubs continue negotiating how much of Mastantuono’s wages Fiorentina will cover, with Real Madrid expected to continue paying part of his earnings. The agreement will not include an option to buy, underlining Los Blancos’ long-term faith in one of Argentina’s brightest young talents.
Mastantuono has not trained with the first team in recent days as the loan move gathers pace, and all indications suggest he will continue his development in Serie A before returning to compete for a place at the Bernabeu.