Mastantuono faces pressure to keep Real Madrid’s right flank intact

Real Madrid’s €60 million gamble on 18‑year‑old Argentine winger Franco Mastantuono now rests on his preseason showing, as he must persuade head coach José Mourinho or risk a loan move before the campaign begins, after a debut campaign at the Bernabéu that produced only three goals and one assist in 1,484 minutes.

The right flank is wide open for the first preseason friendlies because Rodrygo will miss action until November or December with a serious knee injury and Arda Güler remains on holiday, leaving Real Madrid without its usual options on that side of the pitch. Mastantuono therefore arrives as the primary candidate to fill the void and restore balance to the attacking right.

Mundo Deportivo recorded that Mastantuono featured in 35 matches during his first season, starting 17 times and completing the full 90 minutes on just one occasion, accumulating exactly 1,484 minutes of action. His output amounted to three goals and a single assist, underscoring a modest return on the €60 million fee.

His involvement tapered as the campaign progressed, particularly after the arrival of defender Arbeloa and as the squad adapted to Mourinho’s methods. The reduced playing time highlighted the challenge of integrating a left‑footed attacking creator into a system that demands defensive contribution.

Eight first‑team players, including Mastantuono, have already reported to Mourinho’s opening sessions at the club’s Valdebebas training complex, giving the Portuguese coach an early chance to evaluate them before the rest of the squad returns from international duty. This early exposure puts Mastantuono ahead of many peers in the race for a regular right‑wing role.

Mourinho’s preseason standards are well known for emphasizing tactical discipline and defensive work rate as much as creative flair. For a left‑footed attacker like Mastantuono, adapting to those requirements will be crucial to securing a place in the starting lineup.

Should he fail to meet Mourinho’s expectations, the most likely scenario is a loan to another La Liga side or a high‑level European club, allowing him to accumulate minutes and rebuild momentum without the fee being written off entirely. Such a move would align with a broader market trend where clubs protect substantial investments by arranging loans for young talents who have not yet justified their transfer outlay.

The next step for Mastantuono is to impress in the upcoming preseason friendlies, where his performances will determine whether he cements his role at the Bernabéu or embarks on a loan spell to regain form.