Real Madrid Attacker Joins Fiorentina on Loan

Real Madrid and Fiorentina announced on Friday that they have reached an agreement for the one-season loan of Franco Mastantuono. The deal is a standard loan with no purchase or extension options, meaning the attacker will return to the Spanish capital next summer.

Real Madrid hopes to see significant progress from the young talent. The Argentine struggled during his debut season in Madrid, scoring only three goals across all competitions, and he requires consistent playing time to compete for a spot in the squad next year.

Mastantuono arrives in Florence following the departure of another attacking player, Manor Solomon. The Israeli winger joined the Italian side last January after a difficult spell at Villarreal and helped the team avoid relegation, recording two goals and one assist in 16 appearances.

Mastantuono arrived in Madrid as a highly-rated prospect after starring for River Plate at age 17. While his output was modest—six goals and four assists in 21 appearances—his dribbling ability and sharp left foot convinced Florentino Perez to sign him. Now, Franco joins a club with less pressure, aiming to prove he can translate his South American talent to the European stage.