Real Madrid's Rodrygo Ruled Out of Return to Santos in Loan Move
Real Madrid has ruled out a loan move for Rodrygo to his former club Santos, instead seeking a straightforward loan deal with no purchase option for the Brazilian teenager.
Franco Mastantuono, not Rodrygo, is the player in question here. He initially hoped to earn a place in Madrid's plans, but the club's summer recruitment significantly increased the competition for attacking positions. Los Blancos are now looking for a loan deal that will allow Mastantuono to gain regular first-team football before returning to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Europe is the only destination being considered for Mastantuono's loan move, with Real Madrid believing his development should continue in European football rather than returning to Argentina. This decision has already ruled out one option, with River Plate returning to the table and being rejected.
Serie A is currently the most likely destination for Mastantuono, with several clubs across the league expressing interest in the Argentine teenager. Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, and Fiorentina have both shown interest, while AS Roma could become an option if Matias Soule leaves the club. AC Milan have also been linked, particularly given the strong relationship between the two clubs.
Each proposal is being evaluated carefully, with Real Madrid placing greater importance on the player's role within a project than on the name of the club itself. This approach suggests that the club is looking for a long-term solution that will benefit Mastantuono's development.
Fulham were among the first English clubs to enquire about Mastantuono's availability, but have since shifted their focus elsewhere. The London side are prioritising moves for other Real Madrid youngsters, including Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios, whose transfer is believed to be much closer to completion.
A final decision on Mastantuono's destination is expected to be made before the end of the week. With more than a dozen clubs interested, the expectation is that the uncertainty will soon come to an end. Real Madrid hope that the loan move will accelerate Mastantuono's development before he returns to compete for a place at the Bernabeu next year.
Source: Yahoo Sports
