Franco Mastantuono is close to a season-long loan to Fiorentina, with the two clubs still working through the salary split. He did not train with his Real Madrid teammates in the two days after the friendly against Fiorentina, and the move now looks like the next step after a fast-moving chase.

Fiorentina moved first

Fiorentina were the first club to make a move, and Mastantuono chose them over interest from AC Milan and Napoli. That makes the destination look fairly clear even if the paperwork is not fully there yet.

The Italian club finished 15th in Serie A last season. That is a decent setting for a young loanee who needs responsibility, especially if the plan is regular minutes rather than a fight for trophies every week.

Real Madrid's development plan

Real Madrid want him to stay in Europe rather than return to River Plate on loan. The idea is simple enough: he needs consistent playing time, and Fiorentina are willing to give him an attacking midfielder role.

Madrid's own situation helps explain the choice. They won four of their last five matches, and their 2025 Champions League record was five wins and three losses. That is a crowded environment for a teenager trying to force his way into the side, even before you factor in the pressure that comes with a club like Madrid.

Mastantuono has also spoken openly about where he sees his long-term future. Speaking to siempremadrid.com, he said: "My dream is to stay there for a long time. Life has taken me down this path, so I am going to try to enjoy it as much as possible and spend as much time as I can at Real Madrid."

That sounds like a player who still wants Madrid to be the destination, not the discarded option. For now, though, the loan route looks designed to give him exactly what he needs: minutes, a role, and a proper run in Europe.

Fiorentina's next listed Serie A fixture is away to AS Roma on 2026-08-24, but the immediate focus is still the loan talks and the salary split. If those are settled, Mastantuono should be heading to Florence rather than back to Argentina.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →