Argentine attacking midfielder Franco MastantuonoPlayer·Franco Mastantuono has completed a season-long loan transfer from Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid to Serie ACompetition·Serie A side FiorentinaTeam·Fiorentina for the upcoming 2026/27 campaign. The agreement, confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, does not include an option for FiorentinaTeam·Fiorentina to make the move permanent, signaling Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid's continued long-term investment in the young talent.
The loan deal, which was the culmination of several weeks of negotiations, will see both Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid and FiorentinaTeam·Fiorentina share the 19-year-old's salary. The primary objective behind the move is to provide Mastantuono with regular first-team opportunities, a challenge he faced during his initial season with the Spanish giants. FiorentinaTeam·Fiorentina's coach, Fabio GrossoCoach·Fabio Grosso, and sporting director, Fabio Paratici, reportedly played a pivotal role in convincing Mastantuono, outlining a significant role for him within their squad. Holding an Italian passport, Mastantuono will not occupy a non-EU player slot for FiorentinaTeam·Fiorentina, which simplifies his integration. A clause within the agreement also allows for the loan to be extended for an additional year if FiorentinaTeam·Fiorentina secures qualification for European competition by the conclusion of the 2026/27 season.
Mastantuono joined Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid in August 2025 from River Plate for a reported fee of €45 million. During his debut 2025/26 season, he made 35 appearances across all competitions, contributing three goals and one assist. However, establishing himself as a consistent starter proved difficult, with only 11 starts in his 23 La LigaCompetition·La Liga appearances. His progress was also impacted by a groin injury (pubalgia) in November 2025. Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid concluded the 2025/26 La LigaCompetition·La Liga season in second place, demonstrating strong form with a "WLWWW" record in their final five league matches. They also reached the Copa del ReyCompetition·Copa del Rey Round of 16, were runners-up in the Supercopa de España, and advanced to the UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League Quarter-finals.
FiorentinaTeam·Fiorentina, meanwhile, experienced a challenging 2025/26 Serie ACompetition·Serie A season, finishing in 15th position with 42 points. Their league record comprised 9 wins, 15 draws, and 14 losses, with 41 goals scored and 50 conceded. A crucial run of form in February 2026, under coach Paolo Vanoli, was instrumental in moving them out of the relegation zone. The club also reached the Coppa ItaliaCompetition·Coppa Italia Round of 16 and the UEFA Conference LeagueCompetition·Conference League Quarter-finals. FiorentinaTeam·Fiorentina's clear need for a creative attacking presence makes Mastantuono a key acquisition as they aim for a stronger performance in the upcoming season, with the hope that his talent can help propel them towards European qualification.
Franco Mastantuono playing for Real Madrid during a preseason match on July 28, 2026. Credit: AFLOSPORT/IMAGO
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