# Real Madrid squad reduction and Mastantuono's Fiorentina > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/barcelona-pursuit-of-jorge-salinas > Updated: 2026-08-14T22:16:53.000Z. Sources: 191. Developments: 23. In early August 2026, Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono began a season-long loan from Real Madrid to Serie A side ACF Fiorentina. The deal, which runs until 30 June 2027, includes no purchase option and splits his €3.5 million net salary equally between the two clubs. Mastantuono, who joined Madrid in 2025 from River Plate for a fee between €45 million and €63 million, struggled to secure regular playing time in Spain, recording 35 appearances and three goals last season. The move to Florence aims to provide the young talent with consistent competitive minutes to aid his development. Upon his arrival, he received a large reception from Fiorentina supporters and expressed an intention to improve his defensive capabilities in the Italian league. He made his debut for Fiorentina on 14 August 2026, entering the match in the 58th minute during a 4-1 Coppa Italia victory over Benevento at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Entering the pitch on his 19th birthday, he replaced Albert Guðmundsson and played approximately 32 to 34 minutes. Following the match, the player spent time resting at Forte dei Marmi as Fiorentina prepares for their Serie A opener against Roma. Real Madrid manager José Mourinho signaled a preference for a streamlined squad, stating, “Quiero una plantilla corta, de 20 jugadores más los que tenemos lesionados.” To achieve this, Mourinho aims to reduce the current roster of 26 professionals to approximately 20 players. While Eduardo Camavinga remains at the club, other players like Ferland Mendy face uncertain futures as the club seeks more reliable left-back options. Tactically, Mourinho is implementing a 4-2-3-1 system with a double pivot, emphasizing defensive discipline and versatility from players such as Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva, and Jude Bellingham. ## Claims - Real Madrid will loan Franco Mastantuono to Fiorentina for the 2026/27 season. (corroborated by 11 sources) - Real Madrid plans to loan Franco Mastantuono to a European club, preferably in Italy's Serie A. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Real Madrid agreed to sell 70% of César Palacios' rights to Fulham for €10 million. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Franco Mastantuono holds an Italian passport. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Real Madrid agreed to sell 70% of Gonzalo Garcia's rights to Fulham for €40 million. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Real Madrid has decided not to loan Franco Mastantuono to River Plate. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The loan is intended to give Mastantuono regular tactical and physical exposure in Europe to prepare him for the first team at Real Madrid. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Real Madrid will loan Franco Mastantuono to a European club. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The loan is a simple one‑year loan without a purchase option. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Real Madrid will cover about 50 % of Mastantuono’s €3.5 million annual salary. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Fiorentina is the leading club in negotiations for the loan. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The loan agreement includes no purchase option or resale clause. (corroborated by 8 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-14: Franco Mastantuono debuts for Fiorentina in Coppa Italia win Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono debuted for Fiorentina in a 4-1 Coppa Italia win over Benevento, appearing on loan from Real Madrid to gain competitive experience in Italy. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/franco-mastantuono-debuts-for-fiorentina-in-coppa-italia-win ### 2026-08-12: José Mourinho seeks to reduce Real Madrid squad size José Mourinho seeks to trim the Real Madrid squad to 20 players while implementing a more tactically disciplined 4-2-3-1 system emphasizing defensive duties and player versatility. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jos-mourinho-seeks-to-reduce-real-madrid-squad-size ### 2026-08-08: José Mourinho signals squad reduction at Real Madrid Real Madrid coach José Mourinho is prioritizing a smaller squad, opting to loan Franco Mastantuono to Fiorentina to focus on immediately competitive players. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jos-mourinho-signals-squad-reduction-at-real-madrid ### 2026-08-08: Fiorentina signs Franco Mastantuono on loan from Real Madrid Fiorentina has signed Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono on loan from Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Real Madrid's Endrick faces an uncertain future, with AS Roma monitoring his situation. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fiorentina-signs-franco-mastantuono-on-loan-from-real-madrid ### 2026-08-06: Franco Mastantuono joins Fiorentina on loan from Real Madrid Real Madrid has loaned Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono to Fiorentina on a season-long deal until June 2027 to gain Serie A experience. 49 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fiorentina-completes-loan-signing-of-argentine-winger-franco-mastantuono-from-real-madrid ### 2026-08-04: Franco Mastantuono to join Fiorentina on loan from Real Madrid Real Madrid will loan Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono to Fiorentina for the 2026/27 season, with Madrid covering half his €3.5 m salary; the deal is near finalisation. 36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-to-loan-argentine-forward-franco-mastantuono-to-fiorentina ### 2026-08-03: Gonzalo Garcia joins Fulham from Real Madrid Gonzalo Garcia (22) moves from Real Madrid to Fulham on a five‑year deal worth about €40 m; Real keep 30 % of his rights. Coach Álvaro Arbeloa reunites with the striker, and Fulham also signs midfielder César P 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fulham-nears-42-million-double-transfer-of-real-madrid-duo ### 2026-07-31: Real Madrid's Mastantuono near Serie A move as Milan eye Brahim Díaz Real Madrid plans a loan for Franco Mastantuono, with Fiorentina leading the race, while AC Milan consider signing Brahim Díaz amid squad rebuilding. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/franco-mastantuono-transfer-saga-draws-interest-from-fiorentina-milan-and-napoli ### 2026-07-31: Real Madrid's academy sales top €200 million, Fulham adds two Spanish players Real Madrid's academy generated over €200 million this summer, selling 70% of Gonzalo García (€40 m) and César Palacios (€10 m) to Fulham and other youngsters, funding big purchases like Yan Diomande and Rodri. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-sells-gonzalo-garcas-rights-to-fulham-for-40-million ### 2026-07-29: Real Madrid to loan Franco Mastantuono to a Serie A club Real Madrid will loan 18‑year‑old Argentine Franco Mastantuono to a Serie A club for a season, seeking regular minutes after a limited first‑team spell. 29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levante-striker-carlos-esp-and-alajuelense-midfielder-diego-campos-train-amid-uncertain-futures ### 2026-07-27: Gonzalo García's move from Real Madrid to Fulham under negotiation Real Madrid and Fulham are negotiating the transfer of striker Gonzalo García, with Fulham offering €30 million but the Spanish club demanding a higher fee. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gonzalo-garcas-move-from-real-madrid-to-fulham-under-negotiation ### 2026-07-27: Real Madrid weighs loan move for Franco Mastantuono, Fulham among interested clubs Real Madrid is considering loaning Franco Mastantuono, with Fulham and Fiorentina leading interest; the player wants a return to River Plate but Spain prefers a European loan. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-to-loan-franco-mastantuono-as-fulham-and-fiorentina-show-interest ### 2026-07-25: Real Madrid to loan Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono Real Madrid will loan 18‑year‑old Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono for a season, with no purchase option, as the club seeks regular playing time for him; clubs interested include Fulham, Fiorentina and a 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-plans-loan-of-argentine-midfielder-franco-mastantuono ### 2026-07-23: Fulham seeks Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia under coach Arbeloa Fulham, led by new coach Álvaro Arbeloa, is targeting Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia after Raul Jiménez left, but Real Madrid may keep the 22‑year‑old as backup, prompting Fulham to look at other options. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fulhams-pursuit-of-real-madrid-striker-gonzalo-garcia-stalls ### 2026-07-20: Fulham eyes Real Madrid forwards Gonzalo García and Franco Mastantuono Fulham, under new coach Álvaro Arbeloa, is pursuing Real Madrid striker Gonzalo García and Argentine forward Franco Mastantuono, aiming to strengthen its Premier League attack. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fulham-eyes-real-madrid-forwards-gonzalo-garca-and-franco-mastantuono ### 2026-07-11: Real Madrid keeps Franco Mastantuono for pre‑season under Mourinho Franco Mastantuono stays at Real Madrid, joining Mourinho's pre‑season squad as the club weighs his future amid loan interest from Fulham. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-keeps-franco-mastantuono-for-preseason-under-mourinho ### 2026-07-11: Alvaro Arbeloa eyes Real Madrid talent for Fulham ahead of season Fulham’s new manager Alvaro Arbeloa aims to sign Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono on loan and forward Gonzalo Garcia to boost the squad. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alvaro-arbeloa-eyes-real-madrid-talent-for-fulham-ahead-of-season ### 2026-07-09: Alvaro Arbeloa pushes for Real Madrid loanees García and Mastantuono at Fulham Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa seeks loan deals for Real Madrid forward Gonzalo García and Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono, pending decisions by José Mourinho. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alvaro-arbeloa-pushes-for-real-madrid-loanees-garca-and-mastantuono-at-fulham ### 2026-07-08: Fran García joins Real Betis from Real Madrid Fran García transfers from Real Madrid to Real Betis on a €4 million deal, signing a four‑year contract with Madrid retaining 50 % of future resale rights. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-betis-completes-signing-of-leftback-fran-garca-from-real-madrid ### 2026-07-08: Real Madrid targets Mikel Merino as Mourinho’s request and sells Fran García to Betis Real Madrid aims to sign Mikel Merino for €40 m per Mourinho’s request and has sold left‑back Fran García to Betis for €4 m. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-targets-mikel-merino-as-mourinhos-request-and-sells-fran-garca-to-betis ### 2026-07-05: Real Madrid likely to retain striker Gonzalo Garcia as Betis bid stalls Real Madrid may keep striker Gonzalo Garcia after Betis’ €30 million bid stalls and Mourinho wants him as a backup option. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-likely-to-retain-striker-gonzalo-garcia-as-betis-bid-stalls ### 2026-06-21: Real Madrid targets departures for Fran García and Franco Mastantuono Real Madrid may offload left‑back Fran García to Real Betis for about €10 m and loan Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono to Villarreal, keeping his registration. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-targets-departures-for-fran-garca-and-franco-mastantuono ### 2026-06-18: Real Betis targets Real Madrid left‑back Fran García Real Betis are negotiating with Real Madrid to sign left‑back Fran García this summer for roughly €10 million, aiming to bolster their defence for the Champions League. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/barcelona-arranges-jan-virgili-loan-to-real-betis-and-eyes-jorge-salinas-signing --- Cite as: Real Madrid squad reduction and Mastantuono's Fiorentina. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/barcelona-pursuit-of-jorge-salinas