Real Madrid’s Summer Test for Franco Mastantuono

Jose Mourinho’s first pre‑season as the manager of Real Madrid begins this week, and the Portuguese coach is facing a clear challenge. Without most of the first‑team squad available on day one, his immediate task is to size up the limited group of players present and sketch out next season’s plans. Every man on the preseason roster will be under Mourinho’s microscope as he decides how much each can contribute to his vision.

Among the few players Mourinho will evaluate, Argentine winger Franco Mastantuono’s immediate future hangs in the balance. According to journalist Miguel Serrano, the player’s stay is conditional on two linked scenarios.

First, Mastantuono must make a solid impression during the upcoming weeks, convincing the manager that he can be a reliable option on the right flank. Second, Real Madrid must not bring in a new signing for that same position. If the club adds fresh talent on the wing, the younger Argentina’s chances narrow sharply. The coach’s opinion and the club’s recruitment decisions together will dictate whether Mastantuono remains or is sent out on loan this summer.

The situation is complicated by Mastantuono’s lack of proven track record at the highest level. Unlike many teammates who can point to past performances at the club, he does not have a strong résumé to fall back on. He entered last season with modest expectations after a promising start, but he never developed into the creative force Real Madrid had hoped for on the right side of attack.

Physical troubles compounded his difficulties. A bout of pubalgia near December effectively ended his season, and the player’s confidence never fully recovered. Even a brief surge toward the end of the campaign did not earn him a regular starting spot. Mourinho now seeks a genuine creative attacking weapon on the wing, leaving Mastantuono with a demanding test in the next few weeks.

The next few weeks will be decisive for Mastantuono. Mourinho’s desire for a creative attacker means the winger must quickly demonstrate he can fill that role. If he succeeds in earning the manager’s trust and Real does not add another right‑wing option, the young Argentine could secure his place for the coming campaign. Otherwise, a loan move this summer will be the likely outcome.