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Franco Mastantuono is set to join Fiorentina from Real Madrid on a season-long loan, sources have told ESPN, with Madrid continuing to pay a proportion of the player's wages. Mastantuono, 18, joined Madrid from River Plate last summer as one of the most highly-rated teenagers in South American football for a €45 million fee. However, he struggled to make an impact at the Bernabéu in 2025-26, and Madrid have now decided that a loan in Serie A represents the best option at this stage of his development. Mastantuono made 23 appearances in LaLiga last season, scoring one goal. - Transfer rumors, news: Barcelona eye move for Man City's Rodri - Real Madrid set for crunch Vinícius Júnior talks but won't increase offer - sources - Why 'winning the summer transfer window' doesn't help Premier League clubs He had started in two training practice matches for Madrid in pre-season under new coach José Mourinho, but was left out of the squad for Saturday's friendly against Fiorentina -- which finished 2-2 -- in preparation for a move. Mastantuono's difficult season saw him left out of the Argentina squad for the World Cup.