Real Madrid News
Real Madrid not ruling out teenage prodigy’s loan move to former club – report
Franco Mastantuono joined Real Madrid last summer amid much hype and expectation. After all, several top clubs, including European champions PSG, were gunning for the 18-year-old former River Plate prodigy.
The young Argentine made a positive start to life in the Spanish capital as well, but a spell of fitness issues due to pubalgia stopped his momentum, and he has been unable to recover ever since.
Now being reduced to a marginal role in the side, Mastantuono is expected to follow the Endrick route and go out on loan in the summer.
A return to River Plate not ruled out
And, according to journalist Agustin Martin of AS, Real Madrid are not ruling out the possibility of sending Mastantuono back to River Plate on loan.
While Los Blancos would ideally prefer the youngster staying in Europe to continue his development, they would not block a move back to his boyhood club in the summer if the player himself requests it.
🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Real Madrid would prefer if he stayed in Europe, but they may consider loaning out Franco Mastantuono back to River Plate.
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) April 29, 2026
— @ASAgustinMartin pic.twitter.com/5EG16Uy0hf
This comes after River Plate manager Eduardo Coudet recently opened the doors for a temporary return for Mastantuono.
“We wait for him with open arms,” he had said only last week.
So far in his debut season at Real Madrid, Mastantuono has played 30 times in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering one assist.
It is not something entirely new to see a young talent take time to adapt at Real Madrid. Arda Guler went through the same situation in his debut season, as did Endrick.
Real Madrid continue to believe in the teenage Argentine but are open to loaning him out next season so that he can play regularly and develop further. Whether it happens at River Plate or some other club, only time will tell.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify €60m-rated Brighton defender as potential 2027 transfer target – report
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Brighton & Hove Albion defender Luka Vuskovic as they assess options to strengthen their defence ahead of the 2027 transfer windows.
According to Bernabeu Digital, the Croatian centre-back is among the players under consideration as Los Blancos plan for a potential defensive overhaul in the summer of 2027.
The interest comes as Real Madrid prepare for possible departures at centre-back.
On that note, Raul Asencio could be moved on, while Antonio Rudiger is expected to leave when his contract expires.
The club therefore wants to recruit at least one high-quality defender to reinforce the squad for the long term.
Vuskovic, whose market value, as per Transfermarkt, is estimated €60 million, is attracting attention from several major European clubs, although Brighton are understood to have no intention of selling the 19-year-old.
Luka Vuskovic emerges as Real Madrid transfer target
According to Bernabeu Digital, Real Madrid are monitoring Vuskovic as they search for a centre-back capable of strengthening their defensive options.
The Croatian has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester United, while Tottenham are also keeping track of a player they sold last summer.
Understandably so, the competition for his signature could make any potential deal difficult, particularly with Brighton reluctant to part ways with the defender.
At Real Madrid, they are assessing several candidates, with their priority being to identify players who can provide quality and long-term stability.
Real Madrid consider two centre-back signings for 2027
As such, Real Madrid are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing in two centre-backs across the upcoming transfer windows.
Vuskovic is one potential option, while Alessandro Bastoni remains another name associated with the club’s defensive plans.
Bastoni was a target for Real Madrid last summer, and despite failing to land the Italian, his profile continues to fit the type of reinforcement being considered.
Notably, the potential exits of Asencio and Rudiger would leave Madrid needing fresh depth and experience at centre-back, and recruiting early could help the club avoid entering a transfer window without a clear succession plan.
