Mourinho set to loan Mastantuono, Villarreal seen as leading option | OneFootball

Real Madrid are preparing to loan Franco Mastantuono after a stuttering first season, with Villarreal emerging as the standout destination. The arrival of José Mourinho has underlined a plan already in motion.

According to Superdeporte, Mourinho has told club decision-makers he does not count on the 18-year-old for his new project, and a loan is seen as best for his development.

Madrid paid 63.2 million euros to River Plate for the teenager amid huge hype in Spain and Argentina, where he was even tipped as Lionel Messi’s successor. Xabi Alonso started him immediately.

He started 13 of the first 18 matches, then a pubalgia problem curtailed his momentum. Rodrygo’s injury later brought intermittent minutes until Brahim secured the role.

In the run-in he started only 2 of the last 20, and Madrid judged him too raw for now. Any loan would run for two years, require his approval, and see the receiving club pay a little over 3.6 million of his 7.3 million salary.

The destination must play Champions League football and offer a genuine chance to start. Madrid will not entertain a sale or buy-back clause. Mastantuono is contracted to 2031 without a specific release clause, and his market value is 45 million euros, five less than on arrival.

Porto, Sporting de Portugal and Inter Milan are options meeting the criteria. Benfica, Tottenham, Juventus, Stade Rennes and River Plate are not in the Champions League, with River offering a return. Villarreal satisfy the conditions, pending Mastantuono’s agreement to relocate to Castellón.

Source: Superdeporte