Real Madrid News
Real Madrid unsure about letting youngster leave on loan with buy option amid Fulham interest
As Real Madrid gear up for a transformative season ahead, there is much uncertainty surrounding the future of Franco Mastantuono.
The Argentine joined the club with much expectations, but his debut campaign at Santiago Bernabeu ended in disappointment.
With Real Madrid also signing Bernardo Silva in the summer and Endrick returning from his loan deal, Mastantuono has been linked with a loan move elsewhere.
Fulham interested but Real Madrid have doubts
According to Diario AS, Fulham have registered interest in Mastantuono, with the English club keen on signing the player on a loan deal.
This is hardly surprising given that Fulham have hired Alvaro Arbeloa as the new head coach. Arbeloa worked with Mastantuono last season at Real Madrid, though he did not really utilise his qualities much.
At Fulham, Arbeloa believes Mastantuono could be an excellent addition as Fulham look for a higher mid-table finish heading into the new season.
The Argentine has certainly shown the quality and the potential during his time at River Plate and Fulham could be the ideal platform for him to shine.
Real Madrid are skeptical
Real Madrid, though, are not entirely convinced by the proposal. Fulham’s preference is for a loan with an option to buy at the end of the season, but Los Blancos are hesitant.
The club continue to believe Mastantuono possesses enormous potential, and the prospect of handing another side the opportunity to sign him permanently after just one campaign is not one they are comfortable with.
Having invested €63.2 million to bring him from River Plate last summer, Real Madrid are reluctant to risk losing control of a player they still regard as a long-term asset.
Fulham are not the only club to have made contact either. River Plate, his boyhood side, and Como have both enquired about a possible loan move, giving Real Madrid alternatives should they ultimately sanction a temporary exit.
Interestingly, Mastantuono’s own representatives are said to be worried about the prospect of a loan altogether.
Their concern stems from a familiar pattern at the Bernabeu, where very few players sent out on loan have subsequently managed to establish themselves in the first team upon their return.
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.
