Real Madrid wanted to accelerate things too quickly with Franco Mastantuono. The Argentine talent arrived at Santiago Bernabéu at just 18 years old, after slightly more than one season with River Plate's first team in South America. The player showed high quality and potential to become a decisive player, but the jump to European football proved to be more challenging than expected.

In this context, the near future of Mastantono at Real Madrid is beginning to take shape. During what the management and coaching staff consider decisive days, the club has taken a clear stance regarding the young player: no loan and no departure in this transfer window, but rather a clear sporting plan aimed at restoring his role and presence within the team.

At Valdebebas, they recognize that January represents an important opportunity. Real Madrid does not plan to sign offensive reinforcements at this stage of the season. Additionally, changes in the team lineup have opened up spaces in the front line. In this scenario, Mastiantono emerges as a genuine option in the rotation policy adopted by the coach, especially with the temporary absence of Brahim Díaz due to his participation in the Africa Cup, Kylian Mbappé’s injury, and Indrik’s departure. All these factors have reduced the attacking options and strengthened the idea of keeping the Argentine player and giving him playing time.

The coaching staff's plan is clear: a gradual integration without rushing or placing more responsibility on the player than necessary. Mastantono had started the season promisingly, starting in 9 of the first 14 matches and missing only two games without playing. However, a groin injury sidelined him for several weeks and halted his progress.

At this stage, a candid conversation with Xabi Alonso inside Valdebebas played a pivotal role. This direct dialogue reset the course and outlined a clear plan with a single goal: for the player to regain his true self on the field. The honesty, as those close to them confirm, was beneficial for both parties. Areas that needed improvement were identified, as well as others that required enhancement, always from a constructive perspective. Commitment and discipline, however, were beyond question and never doubted.

With the injury now behind him and more favorable conditions within the team in terms of competition, the coaching staff believes the time has come to reintegrate Mastantono steadily into the team's system. The goal is to regain rhythm, confidence, and an influential role within a lineup that has also seen a strong return from Rodrigo.

In the case of the Argentine player, Real Madrid highly values his potential, versatility, and football maturity. For this reason, any option that might mean losing control over his development has been ruled out. January will not be just a passing month but the beginning of a new phase in Franco Mastantuono’s career, with a clear plan and specific expectations within the Madrid club.