Franco Mastantuono finds himself at a crucial crossroads during his preseason with Real Madrid. According to Mundo Deportivo, the 18-year-old Argentine winger must prove his worth to manager José Mourinho or face the prospect of being loaned out before the season kicks off.

A Difficult Debut Season at the Bernabéu
Mastantuono's first year at Madrid was far from stellar. He made 35 appearances—starting 17 of those—and managed to complete the full 90 minutes just once. His tally of three goals and one assist in 1,484 minutes fell short of expectations, especially given the €60 million transfer fee paid to River Plate. His role diminished as the season progressed, particularly after the arrival of Arbeloa, and he notably missed out on being selected for Lionel Scaloni’s World Cup squad, highlighting the gap between his potential and performance.

Mourinho’s Preseason as the Critical Test
With Mourinho's demanding standards, this preseason serves as a vital opportunity for Mastantuono. He is among eight first-team players already training at Valdebebas, capitalizing on the absence of Rodrygo, who is injured, and Arda Güler, who is on holiday. The right flank is open for the upcoming friendlies, but the pressure is on. Mourinho’s expectations for tactical discipline and defensive contributions will challenge Mastantuono to adapt quickly, as his natural style leans towards being a left-footed attacking creator.

Loan the Default if He Falls Short
Mundo Deportivo suggests that this preseason is Mastantuono’s chance to make a compelling case to Mourinho. Should he fail to impress, a loan to a La Liga or high-level European club appears likely, allowing him to gain valuable playing time and rebuild his reputation. The final decision regarding his spot in the squad will hinge on Mourinho's competitive selections and the closing weeks of the summer transfer window. For now, the right flank is Mastantuono’s to lose.