Real Madrid News
Mourinho has a lot of faith in Real Madrid prodigy; loan move unlikely – report
After a spree of signings, Real Madrid are expected to focus on some departures in the coming weeks, given the need to balance the books as well as create room for the new arrivals.
Names like Dani Ceballos, Fran Garcia, and Raul Asencio are being linked with permanent departures away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
Meanwhile, teenage prodigy Franco Mastantuono had emerged as a candidate for a loan exit following a difficult debut season in Spain during which he struggled to play regularly.
Mourinho trusts Mastantuono
However, according to The Athletic, a loan move for Mastantuono is now seen as unlikely as new manager Jose Mourinho has a lot of faith in the Argentine.
Real Madrid would consider a temporary departure for the 18-year-old attacking midfielder. But, the player is not looking to leave the club this summer, with his entourage making it clear that his priority is to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.
As things stand, Mastantuono would only consider leaving on loan if the club asks him to do so.
But the fact that Mourinho likes the young prodigy a lot and has a lot of trust in him makes the possibility of a summer exit on loan very slim.
Mastantuono remains highly rated
Real Madrid splashed over €60 million to sign Mastantuono from River Plate last summer and the youngster made a positive start at the Santiago Bernabeu under Xabi Alonso.
However, over time, his importance in the side reduced, partly due to pubalgia issues which hindered him, and partly due to his inconsistent performances.
The teenager ended his debut campaign with three goals and an assist from 35 matches in all competitions (1484 minutes).
Even though he endured a difficult season, Mastantuono remains highly rated at Real Madrid and there is no doubt about his quality and potential.
That being said, a loan exit would have made sense for the youngster, considering that he will face competition from the likes of Brahim Diaz, Rodrygo, and even new signing Bernardo Silva for regular game-time.
Moreover, Mourinho also plans to test Endrick on the right wing, further complicating Mastantuono’s situation. So, it will be interesting to see how the manager and the club decide to handle the issue.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €40 millon-rated goalkeeper as potential Thibaut Courtois replacement
Real Madrid boast one of the best goalkeepers in world football in the form of Thibaut Courtois.
However, the Belgian is already 34 and his current contract at the club expires at the end of the season.
Although Real Madrid are keen on extending his contract, they are preparing for the possibility of life beyond the veteran goalkeeper as well.
Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid are already keeping tabs on the market and monitoring potential replacements, with Diogo Costa emerging as one of the options.
Real Madrid interested in Diogo Costa
As reported by Bernabeu Digital, Costa is among the goalkeepers Real Madrid are interested in, as they look for potential replacements for Courtois.
The Portuguese international is regarded highly and has been endorsed personally by the club’s new goalkeeping coach, Nuno Santos.
Jose Mourinho is also said to be playing a key role in driving the club’s interest in Costa, who currently plies his trade for FC Porto.
At age of just 26, Costa has established himself as the firm number one for the Portugal national team, having already won almost 50 caps.
€40 million for Costa?
Acquiring the services of Diogo Costa, though, won’t be a walk in the park for Real Madrid.
The Portuguese international is valued at around €40 million, which the club might see as steep.
But given the experience and the quality Costa offers, Real Madrid do indeed see him as the ideal candidate to replace Courtois, if necessary.
Given that he is also liked by Mourinho and Santos, there is no reason why Real Madrid will be against paying that premium for the goalkeeper, especially if Courtois ends up leaving the club.
Real Madrid, though, are also open to finding an in-house replacement for Courtois, with Javi Navarro, in particular, making a lot of waves in the lower divisions.
That being said, everything indicates Courtois will sign a new contract so there shouldn’t be any immediate need for a replacement.
