Real Madrid News
Real Madrid starlet not considering summer exit despite massive drop in prominence
Real Madrid are facing a delicate situation with one of their most talked-about young talents, Franco Mastantuono, as questions begin to surface over his role and development.
According to journalist Guillermo Rai of The Athletic, the player’s camp has no intention of seeking a move away this summer, despite his noticeable drop in minutes over the course of the season.
Instead, those close to Mastantuono are pointing towards internal examples within the squad to justify patience, most notably the case of Arda Guler, who required time before gradually carving out his place.
Mastantuono arrived with huge expectations after completing a €63.2 million move, making him one of the club’s most significant investments.
At just 18, he began the campaign brightly, earning regular starts and showing glimpses of the talent that convinced Madrid to secure his signature.
Fading influence
However, as the season progressed, his influence faded. Competition within the squad has intensified, and the Argentine has struggled to maintain his early momentum.
His last start dates back to early February against Rayo Vallecano, while his most recent goal came in January during a dominant win over AS Monaco.
Since then, opportunities have become increasingly limited.
This decline in involvement has naturally sparked interest from elsewhere. Clubs across Europe are monitoring his situation, with Benfica among those linked with a potential move.
The Portuguese side, known for developing young talents, see Mastantuono as a player who could benefit from consistent minutes.
Within Real Madrid, there is growing awareness that a lack of playing time could impact the youngster’s confidence and long-term progression.
As a result, a loan move has been discussed as a practical solution, one that would allow him to continue developing while maintaining his connection with the club.
However, the player’s position complicates matters. Mastantuono is not keen on leaving and remains determined to succeed at Madrid, even if it means fighting for limited opportunities in the short term.
His camp believes that patience will eventually be rewarded, much like it has been for other young players in the squad.
Real Madrid News
English legend backs Real Madrid star to become one of the all-time greats: ‘He’s got everything’
Jude Bellingham has spent the past fortnight as the most talked-about footballer in England, and the superlatives show no sign of slowing down.
A masterclass in the Nations League, a clutch of records and a second straight Player of the Year award has not gone unnoticed in English footballing media.
Now one of the English game’s most respected voices has added his name to the growing list of believers.
Lineker backs Bellingham
Asked whether Bellingham can go on to become one of the greatest players of all time, England legend Gary Lineker left no room for doubt.
“Yes, I’ve been saying it for a long time now. If he avoids serious injury or falls of the rails which he won’t I’m sure.
“He’s so good at football, he’s got everything. He’s a superstar and carries himself like a superstar,” he said (h/t Track Radio).
The verdict chimes comes in the midst of a wider chorus of acclaim in recent days. Roy Keane tipped him to become one of the greatest of all time after the Croatia rout, with Ian Wright and Micah Richards among others queuing up to praise him.
Backed by the numbers
The acclaim for Bellingham comes on the back of an extraordinary international break for Bellingham.
Against Croatia, Bellingham scored one and created three in the 7-0 win, becoming the first England player to record four goal involvements in a single game since David Platt in 1993.
He finished the window with one goal and four assists and was named UEFA’s Player of the Round.
That international excellence has carried over to the Bernabeu, where he has settled into a free number 10 role under Jose Mourinho and sits as the club’s joint-leading creator.
Bellingham was part of Real Madrid’s recent 1-0 win over Villarreal as well, and was unlucky not to register an assist when Vinicius Jr.’s goal was disallowed.
The Englishman will be looking to make an impact once again when Real Madrid take on AS Roma this Wednesday.
