La Liga
Franco Mastantuono faces the most important moment since becoming a Real Madrid player last season. The young Argentine talent knows that the preseason will be crucial to convince José Mourinho that he deserves a place in the first team and to avoid a loan that could hinder his progression. At just 18 years old, the winger is facing a pivotal few weeks to completely change the course of his career at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The player, who was not called up by Lionel Scaloni for the World Cup, has been one of the first to join the training sessions of the white team. His presence from day one gives him an important advantage to earn the trust of the new coach and prove he can compete at the highest level in LaLiga.
Franco Mastantuono will have a great opportunity with José Mourinho
The scenario couldn't be more favorable for the Argentine. The serious injury to Rodrygo, who will be out until late autumn, and the vacation of Arda Güler open an unexpected door for Franco Mastantuono to get starting minutes in the first friendly matches of the preseason.
José Mourinho wants to personally assess all players before making decisions on potential departures. The Portuguese coach believes that the summer preparation will be crucial to identify who can play a significant role during the season and who needs to continue developing away from the Bernabéu.
For the Argentine international, this situation represents a unique opportunity to leave behind a challenging first season.
Real Madrid expects much more from the Argentine talent
The first season of Franco Mastantuono fell far short of the expectations generated after his signing. Real Madrid made an investment close to 60 million euros to secure one of the top talents from River Plate, but his adaptation proved to be much more complex than anticipated.
During the last season, he played 35 official matches, but was only a starter on 17 occasions. He accumulated 1,484 minutes, scored 3 goals, and provided 1 assist, modest statistics for a player expected to become an offensive reference in the white project.
Difficulties in adjusting to the European competitive pace and strong competition in attack significantly limited his prominence during the season.

A loan remains a real possibility
Although Real Madrid maintains full confidence in his potential, the option of a loan is still on the table if the coaching staff deems he needs more competitive minutes.
Several clubs from LaLiga and other major European leagues have shown interest in adding the Argentine winger during the summer transfer market, aware of the immense talent he still possesses despite an inconsistent first year. However, both the player and his surroundings have a clear goal: convince José Mourinho to remain part of the first team and continue growing at Valdebebas.
LaLiga expects the best version of Franco Mastantuono
The change in coach could be the turning point the young Argentine needed. Mourinho is known to demand maximum intensity, defensive commitment, and personality, three aspects that Franco Mastantuono must enhance throughout the summer preparation.
If he can seize the opportunities in the early friendlies, the winger will have real chances to start the season as a regular part of the white squad rotation.
Real Madrid remains convinced that their investment in the Argentine will eventually pay off. His quality has never been in question; he just needs to find continuity and confidence to showcase his full potential.
The next few weeks will be crucial in defining his immediate future. Franco Mastantuono knows he is facing the most important opportunity of his career and that a great preseason could completely change his situation at Real Madrid. The challenge is significant, but so is the talent of Franco Mastantuono, one of the players expected to shape the future of LaLiga if he can definitively convince José Mourinho.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mastantuono pide otra oportunidad al Real Madrid
