Fiorentina sign Real Madrid teenager Franco Mastantuono on season-long loan

Franco Mastantuono has joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, the clubs confirmed on Friday.

The Argentina international was one of the most sought-after young talents in world football when he signed for Madrid -- beating Paris Saint-Germain to his signature -- from River Plate in June 2025, on a six-year deal.

The winger, 18, found life difficult in Spain last season, struggling to make an impact at the Bernabéu, and now joins Serie A's Fiorentina on loan until June 30, 2027 to continue his development.

"It's a special day for me," Mastantuono said on Friday. "I was excited about joining the club... It's a team with a lot of history."

Mastantuono emerged as a star at River, making his senior club debut aged 16, and becoming the youngest player to play for Argentina's national team in June 2025.

With Madrid last season he made 35 appearances between LaLiga, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercopa -- scoring three goals -- but featured more earlier in the campaign, and his lack of impact saw him left out of Argentina's squad for the World Cup.

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