Real Madrid teenage prodigy wanted on loan by South American giants – report | OneFootball

Franco Mastantuono arrived at Real Madrid from River Plate last summer in a massive deal worth €63 million including taxes and commissions.

After a bright start to life in the Spanish capital, the 18-year-old prodigy endured a huge decline in form and consequently his standing within the team.

It has given way to the idea of Mastantuono potentially leaving Real Madrid on loan in the summer transfer window, so that he can play regularly and gain more experience.

River Plate want Mastantuono back

In that context, ESPN Argentina reports that Mastantuono’s former club, River Plate, are interested in taking him on loan from Real Madrid for next season.

Mastantuono to return to River Plate? (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Indeed, the Argentine giants have already made contact with Los Blancos to explore the possibility of taking the 18-year-old gem back to Estadio Monumental.

Prior arriving in Spain, Mastantuono went on to make 64 first-team appearances for River Plate, even before he had turned 18 years old, registering 10 goals and seven assists.

As for his debut season with Los Blancos, the teenager managed 35 appearances, scoring three and assisting one goal.

Real Madrid prefer La Liga loan

A move back to familiar surroundings, where he will get a chance to play regularly, could do a world of good for Mastantuono, especially given that his confidence has been shot.

A loan departure on the horizon. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

However, as per reports in Spain, Real Madrid would ideally prefer if the 18-year-old versatile attacking midfielder moves to a La Liga club on loan.

It will make it easier for the Merengues to monitor his progress very closely while also increasing the youngster’s familiarity to the competition and the level.

So, it remains to be seen how things develop as Mastantuono appears set to leave on loan in the summer.