Demichelis Backs Mastantuono to Thrive at Real Madrid After Fiorentina Loan
Franco Mastantuono’s loan spell at Fiorentina has begun with three goals in seven Serie A appearances, giving the 19-year-old the regular senior football he sought after joining the Italian club for the 2026-27 season. Real Madrid remain his long-term destination, with former River Plate manager Martin Demichelis convinced the Argentine has the physical, technical and personal qualities required to establish himself at the Bernabeu.
What changed for the club
Mastantuono moved to Real Madrid in August 2025 for €45 million, a deal that made him the costliest transfer in Argentine football history. He signed for six years, through June 2031, but has temporarily joined Fiorentina to secure a more consistent role at first-team level.
His first Madrid appearance came on August 20, 2025, when he replaced Brahim Diaz in the 68th minute of the match against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu. The midfielder had already made history with Argentina, becoming the country’s youngest-ever player in an official senior international at 17.
Demichelis, who gave Mastantuono his River debut at 16 in January 2024, believes the current move to Florence is a sensible step rather than a setback. He said the player needs time to settle into elite European football, pointing to the adaptation periods experienced by Santiago Solari and Gonzalo Higuain after their own moves from South America.
- Mastantuono made his River Plate first-team debut in January 2024 at the age of 16.
- He scored his first senior River goal in a 1-0 victory over Sarmiento in July 2024.
- He has registered three goals in his first seven Serie A matches for Fiorentina.
Competition context
Demichelis recalled that Mastantuono’s promotion at River was based on more than his ability on the ball. Before handing him a senior opportunity, the coach spoke to the player, his parents and River officials about the demands that would follow, including his contractual situation.
In training, Demichelis regarded Mastantuono as one of River’s strongest players physically, especially in recovery work, while also identifying the temperament needed to perform under pressure. He believes Xabi Alonso recognised that same character when the teenager first arrived at Real Madrid.
The former River coach also played a part in the discussions around Mastantuono’s release clause. River had recently sold Claudio Echeverri to Manchester City and initially considered setting a similar figure for Mastantuono. Demichelis urged the club to demand more, believing the midfielder was destined for Madrid. River and the player’s representative subsequently agreed a record clause, which preceded the eventual €45 million sale.
For Madrid, the challenge is to balance a major long-term investment with the immediate standard required at one of Europe’s most demanding clubs. Demichelis has stressed that Madrid does not pause for developing players, but remains certain Mastantuono can return ready to compete for a place.
What is scheduled next
Mastantuono’s priority is to build on his early contribution in Florence over the remainder of the Serie A campaign, with a fight for a starting role at Real Madrid expected when he returns to Spain next summer.
Demichelis, now in charge of RB Leipzig, is preparing for a Champions League meeting with Real Madrid this week. The fixture brings him up against the club where he expects his former River player eventually to make his mark.
