The future of Franco Mastantuono at Real Madrid is under growing speculation as Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion emerged as serious contenders for the 18-year-old’s signature on February 23, 2026.
Despite joining the Spanish giants from River Plate just last summer, the Argentine prodigy has struggled for consistent minutes in a star-studded midfield.
The Premier League Pursuit
English clubs are sensing an opportunity to pounce on the youngster’s lack of continuity at the Bernabéu.
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The Spurs Bid: Tottenham is reportedly leading the race and is prepared to offer €50 million to secure the creative midfielder. Ange Postecoglou is said to view Mastantuono as a perfect long-term addition to his high-tempo system.
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The Brighton Project: Known for their success with South American talents, Brighton is monitoring the situation closely. They view him as a potential centerpiece for their future, similar to their past success with Alexis Mac Allister.
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The Competition: Napoli and Inter Milan have also been credited with interest, though the financial power of the Premier League gives the English clubs a significant advantage.
Frustration in Madrid
Since his €45 million arrival from River Plate in August 2025, Mastantuono’s integration has been slower than expected.
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Lack of Minutes: While he has shown flashes of brilliance—including a goal in the Champions League against Monaco—he has primarily been used as a late substitute or in rotation for less critical matches.
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The Manager Factor: Following the departure of Xabi Alonso earlier this season, Mastantuono has noted he feels “more free” under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, yet his playing time has not significantly increased.
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National Recognition: Despite his club struggles, he remains a regular in the Argentine national setup and is even chasing records to become one of the youngest Argentines to feature in a World Cup later this year.
Real Madrid’s Stance
The club is at a crossroads regarding their investment.
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The “Endrick” Path: Some board members suggest a loan move—similar to Endrick’s successful stint at Lyon—to help him gain the necessary experience without losing him permanently.
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The Sale Option: With a contract until 2031, Real Madrid is in no rush to sell. However, a €50M+ offer would represent a profit on a player who is currently not a regular starter, potentially tempting president Florentino Pérez.