Real Madrid forward wants to re-join former club this summer

It’s expected that multiple Real Madrid players will leave before the summer transfer window closes at the end of next month. Jose Mourinho has already informed the likes of Raul Asencio and Eduardo Camavinga that they are not counted on, while another that falls into this category is Franco Mastantuono.

The first 12 months of his Real Madrid career have been tough for Mastantuono. He arrived last August with a lot of excitement, but he failed to make his mark during the 2025-26 season, and that led to him regularly being left out of the starting line-up for matches, both under Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.

Mourinho also do not count on Mastantuono, which is why Real Madrid are keen to loan him out for the 2026-27 campaign. Interest is being shown from Fulham and Fiorentina, although the 18-year-old would prefer to re-join River Plate on a temporary basis, as reported by The Athletic (via MD).

River move would not be ideal from Real Madrid perspective

Mastantuono is prepared to leave Real Madrid this summer, knowing that he would not play regularly if he stayed. The club wants him to continue his development elsewhere, similarly to how Endrick did at Lyon earlier this year, and while they would welcome him staying in Europe, they may be forced to accept an agreement with River if the teenager insists.

The 2026-27 season is very important for Mastantuono. He cannot afford to spend another season with little prominence, which is why both he and Real Madrid have agreed that a loan exit would be beneficial for all parties. The club will make the final decision on where he ends up, but while they may favour sending him to Benfica, the will of the player could mean that he returns to River, a move that would not make much sense from the perspective of those within Valdebebas, who would prefer the player to get used to European football.