Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s stance on teenage prodigy’s wish to rejoin former club on loan – report
It has been evident for quite some time now that Real Madrid are keen on sending the talented Franco Mastantuono on loan to aid his development.
The Argentine youngster joined Los Blancos from River Plate last summer and had a strong start under Xabi Alonso before slowly fizzling out.
It emerged yesterday that the teenager was keen on going back out on loan to River Plate, the club at which he made a name for himself.
Now, according to Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Real Madrid’s position is very different, with the club believing his development should continue in European football.
Real Madrid have a different vision
Real Madrid are firmly against the idea of sending Mastantuono back to Argentina, despite the emotional appeal of returning to River Plate.
Instead, the club reportedly feel the 19-year-old should continue his progression in Europe, where he can adapt to the tactical demands, intensity and level of competition that will better prepare him for a long-term future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The stance is very understandable from Los Blancos’ perspective. They would want a talented player like Mastantuono to play in Europe to adapt and be ready to play a role in the first team in the near future.
European development remains the priority
Mastantuono has already shown encouraging signs during pre-season under Jose Mourinho, producing confident performances and getting on the scoresheet in Real Madrid’s recent training matches.
While regular playing time will remain an important consideration, Madrid seemingly believe those minutes should come in Europe if a loan ever becomes necessary.
Rather than delaying his transition to European football, the club want him to continue growing in the environment where they eventually expect him to succeed.
What Mastantuono needs now is a club where he gets regular, competitive minutes.
A move back to River Plate would offer him a comfortable environment, but that may not be what the 18-year-old needs right now.
What he needs right now is to play in an environment Madrid believe is right for him, and it remains to be seen whether the club get him to align with that vision.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
