Real Madrid green-light 18-year-old’s loan but rule out buy option – Romano | OneFootball

Real Madrid have finalised their position on Franco Mastantuono’s future, with the club prepared to send the teenage sensation out on loan to accelerate his development while making one condition absolutely clear.

According to transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have given the green light for Mastantuono to leave on loan, but any agreement will strictly exclude a purchase option. 

The Spanish giants remain convinced that the Argentine is part of their long-term plans and have no intention of allowing another club to gain control over one of South America’s brightest young talents.

Real Madrid want to repeat the ‘Endrick formula’

Since arriving at Real Madrid, Mastantuono has been viewed as one of the club’s biggest investments for the future rather than an immediate starter.

Club officials believe the youngster would benefit far more from playing consistently at senior level than spending large parts of the season on the bench at Santiago Bernabeu. 

Real Madrid have approved a loan move for Mastantuono. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

That has led Real Madrid to pursue a development strategy similar to the one previously used for Endrick, who spent the second half of the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Lyon before returning to compete for a place in the first team.

The Franco Mastantuono loan has now been approved internally, but only as a straight loan. 

Simply put, Real Madrid have categorically ruled out including a buy option or any obligation to purchase.

Mourinho and Real Madrid evaluating best destination

Interest in Mastantuono has been significant, with clubs from both La Liga and abroad making enquiries about the teenager’s availability during the summer transfer window.

Real Madrid will not include any obligation or option to buy. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

However, Real Madrid’s transfer plans extend beyond finding a temporary destination. 

The club’s sporting department is working alongside head coach Jose Mourinho, the player, his representatives and his family to identify the ideal environment for his next stage.

Hence, rather than accepting any offer, Real Madrid are prioritising a club capable of guaranteeing meaningful first-team opportunities. 

The objective is to avoid what the club considers a “decorative” loan, where Mastantuono would struggle for minutes and see his development stall.