One of Real Madrid’s summer signings has been ‘banned from first-team training’ in a blow to new manager Xabi Alonso.
The La Liga giants have been busy in this summer’s transfer window, recruiting for the new manager following his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras have all arrived in a bid to bolster Madrid’s defence.
But the most exciting addition for many supporters is the 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono from River Plate.
Franco Mastantuono won’t be able to join first-team training just yet. (Image: Steph Chambers – FIFA / Contributor via Getty)
Although he has arrived in Madrid, the Argentinian will be unable to train with his teammates until he turns 18, under Spanish law.
But he does not have to wait long to join the rest of the squad, with his 18th birthday on 14 August.
In the meantime, Mastantuono will train alone, while Real Madrid staff keep a watchful eye over the wonderkid.
Alonso has revealed he has high plans for the youngster, with speculation that he may come straight into the starting lineup.
Following Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Al Hilal at the Club World Cup last month, he said: “Time will tell.
“But of course he can start, or come off the bench. Our plan is to have him contribute from the off.
“We have great expectations for him. He’ll be here in August and we’ll be a bit more clear on things, but we’re very pleased.”
After spending €45 million on Mastantuono, there may be pressure from the Real Madrid hierarchy to see the new recruit in action.
Where will Franco Mastantuono play for Real Madrid?
For River Plate, Mastantuono primarily operated on the right side of an attacking front three, similarly to Real Madrid’s usual system.
Mastantuono is also a capable attacking midfielder but there is a lot of competition for that role in Madrid.
Franco Mastantuono arrived from River Plate this summer. (Image: Soobum Im – FIFA / Contributor via Getty)
Although it is too early into Alonso’s Real Madrid reign to be sure on his system, for Real Madrid’s last competitive game against PSG he used a 4-3-3.
That included a midfield of Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Guler, so Mastantuono may struggle for minutes.
In attack, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior started either side of the 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia.
Last season, Carlo Ancelotti preferred to start a front three of Vinicius Jr, Mbappe and Rodrygo.
But Ancelotti was flexible with his system and sometimes played Vinicius and Mbappe as a front two, with Bellingham operating just behind.
It led to speculation linking Rodrygo with a move away from the Bernabeu this summer, amid interest from Arsenal.
If the Brazilian did move on, that would potentially free up a starting spot for Mastantuono.