Mourinho ‘to loan’ Mastantuono as Benfica and Sporting eye Real Madrid prospect | OneFootball

Mundo Deportivo reports that José Mourinho could send Real Madrid prospect Franco Mastantuono out on loan this summer, with Benfica and Sporting among the clubs linked.

He is said to be planning a significant refresh of the squad for next season. The Portuguese coach wants to assess the Argentine midfielder in pre-season before any final call, but the report adds that within the club a departure in this window has long been viewed as almost certain.

Madrid prefer a European loan, rather than a permanent sale or a deal that includes a buy-back clause, to retain control of the player’s future.

Signed last summer for 63.2 million euros, Mastantuono is considered a long-term asset and is under contract until June 2031. Inter Milan, Tottenham, Rennes, River Plate, Benfica and Sporting have all been credited with interest.

Madrid have set two conditions for any move, that he remains in Europe and joins a Champions League side. On that basis, Benfica, Tottenham and Rennes do not meet the top-tier competition requirement, while River Plate is outside Europe.

Source: Glorioso 1904