Real Madrid News
Real Madrid teenage prodigy’s loan move to Serie A club is imminent – report
According to journalist Arancha Rodriguez of COPE, Real Madrid youngster Franco Mastantuono is now close to completing a loan move to Serie A side Fiorentina.
The 18-year-old versatile attacking midfielder did not train with the rest of the group today and worked inside the club facilities, with his temporary move to Italy now understood to be imminent.
Loan departure the right move
Mastantuono arrived at Real Madrid last summer amidst a lot of hype and expectations, having been touted as the next biggest thing to emerge in Argentine football.
Real Madrid shelled out €63 million to sign the teenager from River Plate and integrated him into the senior setup right away, with the player showing early promise under Xabi Alonso.
However, injuries, change of managers, and a lack of impact meant that Mastantuono ended the campaign failing to deliver on the expectations and unable to establish himself at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With Real Madrid now moving to sign Yan Diomande and retaining Endrick, Mastantuono’s situation was only going to get more difficult.
As such, the idea to leave on loan and play regularly to continue his development makes total sense for the Argentine.
Destination Florence
Mastantuono had no shortage of interest this summer, with several clubs across Europe vying to sign him.
A move to his former club, River Plate, was also discussed but shut down as Real Madrid wanted him to stay in Europe to further his development.
For the same reason, Los Blancos also rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia for the teenager.
Having seen the strategy work out with Endrick, who excelled on loan at Olympique Lyon during the second half of the last season, Real Madrid wanted to follow a similar formula with his fellow South American.
Now, Mastantuono is understood to be on his way to Italy, with a move to Fiorentina considered imminent.
The young attacking midfielder will now hope to make the most of his time with the Serie A club and return a much-improved player who can push for a starting berth at Real Madrid.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
